1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yong spoke on the phone with Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. on May 12 and exchanged views on ways to strengthen bilateral relations as well as Korea-ASEAN cooperation and discussed regional issues.

2. The two foreign ministers noted with appreciation the close cooperation between the two countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic* and agreed to continue strengthening substantive cooperation in areas such as the defense industry** and infrastructure.

* Korea’s assistance to the Philippines including rice and COVID-19 relief supplies / the Philippines’ exceptional entry permit for more than 900 Korean nationals

 ** Hyundai Heavy Industries’ construction of the Philippine Navy’s first guided-missile frigates (commissioned in July 2020 and March 2021)

3. Foreign Minister Chung asked for the Philippines’ support in carrying out Korea’s New Southern Policy this year, mentioning that Korea will continue to strengthen cooperation for peace and prosperity in the region with ASEAN, its key partner for the policy.

4. On the latest developments in Myanmar, the foreign ministers agreed that the five-point consensus reached at the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting on April 24, especially the consensus on ceasing violence and commencing constructive dialogue among all parties concerned, should be implemented in a faithful manner and agreed to communicate closely to this end.

5. The two foreign ministers reached a common understanding that peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the South China Sea is vital for all stakeholders in the region.

o Foreign Minister Chung extended appreciation to the Philippines for supporting the Korean government’s efforts to achieve complete denuclearization and establish permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula and asked for its unwavering support and cooperation.

6. The foreign ministers shared concerns about the Japanese government’s decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the ocean and agreed to communicate closely with each other and exchange relevant information.