President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia in September 2023. (Photo: Presidential Communications Office)
MANILA, (PIA) — Senator Win Gatchalian hailed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s upcoming state visit to the Philippines as a significant step in solidifying the bilateral relations between the two nations.
President Yoon is set to arrive for a two-day visit on October 6-7 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
“We are deeply honored by President Yoon’s first visit to the country as this affirms the good bilateral relations that we have enjoyed over the past 75 years with South Korea,” Gatchalian said. “We are confident that the visit will serve to further strengthen our ties moving forward.”
As chair of the Philippine-South Korea Parliamentary Friendship Association, Gatchalian has been instrumental in fostering cooperation between the two countries. He previously co-authored a resolution recognizing the enduring friendship and collaboration that has developed over the years.
“I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable growth of our bilateral ties,” he said, emphasizing that the relationship is built on more than just formal agreements.
“The bonds between our countries are not merely founded on formal agreements or shared interests, but on a profound brotherhood that transcends time and generations,” he added.
Trade between the Philippines and South Korea reached $10 billion in 2023, marking South Korea as the Philippines’ fourth largest trading partner.
In 2022, it was the seventh largest export market and the fourth largest import supplier for the Philippines. Notably, the countries signed the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta in September 2023.
Gatchalian highlighted the tangible benefits of their relationship: “Sa bawat Korean company na nagbukas ng pintuan para sa trabaho sa ating mga kababayan, sa bawat estudyanteng Pilipino na natututo sa South Korea, at sa bawat pamilyang nagkakaroon ng mas magandang buhay dahil sa ating ugnayan, nararamdaman natin ang tunay na halaga ng ating pagkakaibigan,” he said, translating to “In every Korean company that opens doors for jobs for our people, in every Filipino student learning in South Korea, and in every family improving their lives because of our ties, we feel the true value of our friendship.”
President Yoon is scheduled to meet with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on October 7.
This visit is expected to further enhance collaboration in various sectors, including trade, education, and cultural exchange, solidifying the long-standing partnership between the two nations. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
