DUTERTE, MOON LOOK AT ‘FUTURE-ORIENTED’ TIES
S. Korean President Moon Jae-in says review, deep discussion is needed to spin ties into thefuture
I look forward to reviewing the progress that our two countries and the peoples have made together in the past 70 years and to having in-depth discussions on susbtantive ways to develop our bilateral ties in a future-oriented manner for the next 70 years. MOON JAE-IN
President Rodrigo Duterte and South Korean President Moon Jae-in reaffirmed the ties between the Philippines and South Korea during their bilateral meeting held Monday, June 4, at the Blue House in Seoul.
Duterte viewed his meeting with Moon as an opportunity to further boost the “special relationship” between the two Asian nations.
“We recognize long and deep ties between our two countries and people,” he said.
The Philippines and South Korea established bilateral relations on March 3, 1949.
The President said he is keen on closely working with Moon “in writing a new chapter of a shared history of cooperation, friendship, and partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.”
“With the advancement that we have achieved together, there is still room for healthy growth. I am pleased to discuss ways to move our relations further forward,”
Duterte said.
“A deeper engagement with South Korea, our long-standing partner and true friend, is essential to further strengthen individual and collective efforts for greater peace, progress, and prosperity,” he added.
Moon, for his part, was satisfied with his meeting with Duterte, which resulted in “plenty of productive” discusssions that primarily focused on elevating the two nations’ “long-standing friendly relations to an even higher level in a future-oriented way.”
The South Korean leader said he believed that the Philippines and South Korea could further develop their cooperation when it comes to trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
“In the meeting today, I look forward to reviewing the progress that our two countries and the peoples have made together in the past 70 years and to having in-depth discussions on susbtantive ways to develop our bilateral ties in a future-oriented manner for the next 70 years,” Moon said.
“I hope that through your visit to Korea, we will be able to further solidify the foundations for developing Korea’s partnership with the Philippines, which is a key partner in implementing this initiative,” he added.
After their meeting, the two leaders are expected to witness the signing of deals concerning trade and industry, transportation, science and technology, and a loan agreement for the Cebu International Container Port project.