‘Phl-SoKor ties reaching new maturity level’

The relationship between the Philippines and South Korea is reaching a new maturity, according to President Duterte, citing the gains of his “meaningful and productive” three-day official visit to Seoul.

Duterte said the Philippines is writing a new chapter of cooperation in its shared history with South Korea, which he called a true friend.

“Indeed, the Republic of Korea is a true friend of the Philippines. And President Moon (Jae-in) an even closer ally. Our friendship is reaching a new maturity, even closer as deep and abiding friends,” Duterte said Tuesday night.

“It is reaching the level of mu- tual respect for each other, and our relations will only grow stronger in the years to come,” he added.

Duterte said his meeting with Moon was warm, open and enriching as things should be between special friends and longstanding partners.

“President Moon and I committed to strengthen our partnership, especially in the areas of defense and security, trade and investments, infrastructure development and protection of our nationals.”

He commended Moon for committing to strengthen security and stability in the region.

Duterte also committed to fully support the eventual denuclearization in the Korean Peninsula.

“President Moon and I both reaffirmed the need to work closer together to address traditional and emerging threats, including terrorism, transnational crimes and piracy at sea,” he said. “To do this, we will count on South Korea as a steady partner in modernizing our key assets in defense, security and law enforcement.”

Duterte and Moon met on Monday, eight days before the historic meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump in Singapore.