KOREAN PRESIDENT MOON JAE-IN TO VISIT MANILA IN NOVEMBER
Korea has a unique and dynamic past, and 2017 will mark another milestone in its history. President Moon Jae-in was elected as the 19th President of the Republic of Korea in May 2017, reflecting the people’s request for a more transparent and accountable government. Under the motto of “To Build a Decent Nation,” the Moon Jae-in administration has been adopting new policies for redressing injustice, improving the welfare system, and reforming the economy, among other matters.
Facing the daunting challenge of North Korea’s nuclear test and missile provocations, the Korean government has been resolutely maintaining the country’s peace and stability with water-tight military deterrence through the strong Korean-US alliance, and by closely cooperating with other countries. On the other hand, the government will continue to make its best efforts to resolve the North Korean nuclear issues by applying maximum engagement and dialogue in a peaceful manner. The Korean government will also spare no efforts to improve inter-Korean relations through various initiatives, such as humanitarian assistance, military talks, etc. One of the key features of the foreign policy of the Moon Jae-in administration is its emphasis on the value of Korea’s relationship with the ASEAN. As a demonstration of his intention to strengthen ties with ASEAN countries, President Moon sent his special envoy in May to the Philippines, who is also chair of ASEAN 2017. As presidential envoy, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon met with Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and paid a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. He conveyed the message from the newly elected President Moon that the Republic of Korea highly values its relationship with the Philippines and the ASEAN. President Moon also shared the vision of the ASEAN – people-centered, people-oriented ASEAN – and looked forward to further enhancing ROK-ASEAN cooperation.
The new administration hopes to further deepen its relationship with the Philippines in various areas. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha visited Manila for the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers Meetings in August, while Secretary Cayetano went to Korea to attend the seminar on ROK-ASEAN relations and the opening of the ASEAN Culture House, and to have a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Minister Kang. This is the first visit by the foreign secretary of the Philippines in five years. Secretary Cayetano and Minister Kang agreed to work together to enhance trade and investment, development cooperation, tourism, and defense cooperation between the two countries.
This partnership will only grow stronger with President Moon’s planned bilateral talks with President Duterte next month during the ASEAN-Related Summits.