By Ambassador Han Dong-Man
Welcome remarks on the occasion of Korea’s 70th National Day and Armed Forces Day
ON March 3, 1949, the Philippines became the first country in Southeast Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea by recognizing the latter’s sovereignty.
That we are observing Korean National Foundation Day during the Philippine-Korean relations’ Platinum Jubilee Year is a sign of true and lasting friendship.
For seven decades, this bond has led to partnerships in many areas: from government-to-government cooperation, to vibrant people-to-people exchanges.
Korea is the fourth-largest trading partner of the Philippines, as our trade volume reached $15.6 billion last year.
As the third-largest foreign investor in the Philippines, Korea’s foreign direct investment from January to June this year stood at $59.5 million, buoyed by the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program.
The Philippines is also the third major beneficiary of Korean grants in the world. Additionally, the Korea International Cooperation Agency has provided more than $260 million in grant aid to the country since 1991.
Indeed, Korea is proud to be a part of the Philippines’s economic development.
To this end, the Philippines and Korea have agreed to reach a deal on a bilateral free-trade agreement (FTA) by next month, with negotiators of both countries currently engaged in related talks. It is perceived to attract larger investments that could open up job opportunities, and inevitably raise the Filipino people’s standard of living.
The FTA will also boost trade and develop balanced trade relations, consistent with the goals of Korea’s New Southern Policy. The NSP, which is seen to elevate Korea’s relations with the Asean, can push the relationship between Korea and the Philippines to a new level.
In this regard, the special Korea-Asean summit taking place this November in Busan will feature talks on strengthening the free-trade order and deepening bilateral cooperation. It is the perfect venue for Presidents Moon Jae-in and Rodrigo Duterte to further discuss increasing trade, enhancing defense partnership, and advancing educational, as well as cultural ties between our two nations, as a follow-up to their bilateral talks during President Duterte’s official visit to Korea in June 2018.
The Busan summit will also give President Moon an opportunity to expound on the NSP, which is all about cooperation for people, prosperity and peace. It is reassuring to know that the “3 Ps” are harmonious with the ideals of the Philippines.
In this regard, I appreciate the adoption on February 8, by the Philippine House of Representatives of Resolution No. 188, which recognizes and fully supports the efforts of President Moon to bring peace, reconciliation, prosperity and stability in the Korean Peninsula. On the same day, the House also adopted HR No. 189, designating 2019 as the “Year of Mutual Exchange” between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
This mutual exchange has remained vibrant through the years, as evidenced by the continuing increase in the number of Korean tourists in the Philippines. In 2018, 1.6 million Korean nationals visited this country, making them retain the top spot among foreign visitors, while more than half a million Filipino tourists went to Korea, owing to the growing popularity of K-pop, Korean drama, cosmetics, food, and other consumer products among Filipinos.
At this stage in the deepening relationship between Korea and the Philippines, I believe we have a common understanding that maintaining and strengthening the friendship between Filipinos and Koreans will further contribute to regional peace and stability, which, in turn, will lead to coprosperity.
So as we observe this fortuitous day, I take this moment to thank His Excellency Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Philippine government, and the Filipino people for remaining steadfast in supporting Korea and its people.
Maraming salamat po at mabuhay tayong lahat!
Image credits: Recto L. Mercene