By ARGYLL GEDUCOS
BUSAN, South Korea — South Korean President Moon Jae-in yesterday expressed his country’s desire to elevate its relations with the Philippines to a strategic partnership, saying this would allow both countries to attain the same level of prosperity.
Moon made the statement during his bilateral meeting with President Duterte here during the first day of the 2019 Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit.
In his remarks, Moon said that with the lasting friendship between the Philippines and South Korea, it was now time to think about elevating the 70-year relations between the two countries.
Moon said doing so would allow the two Asian nations attain the same level of prosperity.
“Based on our history of friendship and trust, the time is right for our countries to think about elevating our relations to a strategic partnership. The elevation of our relations will pave the wave for our countries to engage in greater cooperation that will lead us to common prosperity,” he said.
Strategic partnerships cover a wide range of bilateral relations including, but not limited to, defense, education, health, agriculture, tourism, and economic relations. In Asia, the Philippines is strategic partners with Japan and Vietnam.
During their bilateral meeting, the Philippines and South Korea signed an agreement on social security, education, and fisheries. Both countries also signed an implementation program of the Memorandum of Understanding on tourism coopeartion.
Duterte and Moon also witnessed the signing of a joint statement on the early achievement package of the negotiations on free trade agreement.
Duterte is in Busan for the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit which celebrates the 30th anniversary of the regional bloc’s dialogue relations with South Korea.
This year, the Philippines is celebrating its 70th year of diplomatic relations with South Korea. The Philippines was the first among ASEAN countries to establish diplomatic ties with the East Asian nation.
PH is future of ASEAN
In his remarks, Moon lauded the Philippines as the future of ASEAN because of its impressive growth rate under the Duterte administration.
“The Philippines is the future of ASEAN as it continues to achieve an impressive growth rate of six percent this year thanks to your (President Duterte) outstanding leadership,” he said.
“Through our meeting today, I hope to strengthen my friendship with you and expand our bilateral coopeartions will contribute further to the development of ASEAN,” he added.
Duterte assured Moon that the Philippines will continue to find common ground to enhance its ties with South Korea.
“I assure you that the Philippines will continue to find common cause and purpose with the Republic of Korea towards enhancing our bilateral engagement and promoting peace and stability in your region,” he said.