Rody, SoKor’s Moon to talk in November

SEOUL – President Duterte and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold bilateral talks in Manila this November to boost economic and security ties between the two countries amid increased tensions in the region over the successive nuclear missile tests of North Korea.

This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since the inauguration of the new governments in both countries, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Minister Kang Kyungwha confirmed Moon’s attendance at the 31st ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and Related Meetings during her bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano here last Monday.

The ministers discussed cooperation in political affairs, including high-level exchanges, national defense and the defense industry, North Korea and its nuclear issue.

They also exchanged views on cooperation in consular affairs, including the protection of South Korean nationals in the Philippines.

Kang asked the Philippine government to make more efforts to protect South Korean nationals staying in or visiting the country.

More than 1.4 million South Koreans visit the Philippines every year, and about 100,000 stay in the country, Kang said.

Cayetano assured the South Korean government the Philippines would continue to work to better protect its nationals.

Kang also asked the Philippine government to show continued support on issues regarding the Korean Peninsula at various forums, including the upcoming ASEAN-related meetings.

Cayetano told Kang the Duterte administration fully supports South Korea’s position on the issue and will continue to closely work together with its government.