President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have reaffirmed the strong strategic partnership between the Philippines and South Korea, pledging closer cooperation in trade, defense, and cultural exchanges.

The commitment was made during Marcos’ phone call with Lee on Thursday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a news release Friday.

“During their conversation, President Marcos conveyed his warm congratulations and expressed his full support for President Lee’s administration,” the PCO said.

“The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Strategic Partnership, emphasizing cooperation in key areas, such as trade and investment, defense and security, and people-to-people ties.”

Marcos thanked South Korea for its enduring support for the Philippines’ development and advocacies.

He also stressed the importance of sustained international support for the Philippines’ maritime interests and for regional stability, consistent with the international law.

Marcos looked forward to meeting Lee at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, which South Korea will host later this year.

Lee expressed support for stronger cooperation between South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as the Philippines prepares to assume the regional bloc’s chairship in 2026.

The Philippines and South Korea established diplomatic relations on March 3, 1949, marking 76 years of formal ties in 2025.

Relations between the two countries were elevated through the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership on Oct. 7, 2024, reflecting a shared commitment to enhance cooperation across key sectors, including political, security, economic, and socio-cultural.

In 2024, South Korea ranked as the Philippines’ fourth largest trading partner, fifth largest export destination, and fourth biggest import source, with total bilateral trade reaching USD13.2 billion.

Philippine exports to South Korea were valued at USD3.6 billion, while imports totalled USD9.6 billion.

In 2024, South Korea was the Philippines’ leading source of foreign tourists, making up 26.37 percent of total arrivals. (PNA)