Opening Remarks by H.E. Cho Tae-yul

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Korea-Philippines Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

August 7, 2024

Good morning.

A warm welcome to you, Secretary Manalo, and your delegation. It’s great to see you again here in Seoul following our brief meetings in Vientiane a couple of weeks ago.

I am particularly pleased that this is the first visit to Korea by a Philippine Foreign Minister in seven years --a long hiatus indeed.

Given all that has transpired between our two countries and in our region during those seven years, this meeting couldn’t have come at a better time.  

Before we begin, I would like to convey, through you, my sincere condolences to all of those who have recently been affected by Typhoon Carina.  I also extend my best wishes for a swift recovery.

Your kind words of sympathy following the heavy rainfalls in Korea last month were also deeply appreciated.  

No doubt, the Philippines holds a special place in the annals of Korea’s diplomacy.

It was among the first group of countries to establish diplomatic ties with Korea and send troops to defend our freedom and democracy during the Korean War.

This laid the foundation for an enduring friendship that is as vibrant as ever 75 years later--a friendship that has been enhanced by a sense of affinity and shared values.

The fact that Koreans are the single-largest group of visitors to the Philippines —1.5 million just last year alone— speaks to the vast people-to-people exchanges driving our partnership forward.

Economic ties between our two countries, underpinned by robust investment and trade, also continue to thrive.

Our cooperation is gradually expanding into promising new areas such as energy, infrastructure, security, and defense.

As a pivotal maritime country, the Philippines is also a vital partner in the context of Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI), a landmark diplomatic initiative by Korea to strengthen its partnership with the ASEAN.

I am committed to work with you to open a new chapter by establishing a "Strategic Partnership" between Korea and the Philippines in the coming months.

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to congratulate Ambassador De Vega and your Embassy here in Seoul for being designated as the "Best Organization of the Year" by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

Your long-awaited presence here, Secretary Manalo, certainly makes that distinction well deserved.

I look forward to our fruitful discussions today. I now give the floor to you.