“The relationship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea is held in high regard, built on trust and friendship forged at a defining moment in Korea’s history.”
This was the statement made by Senate President Vicente Sotto III before Members of the Korean Assembly led by ROK–PH Parliamentary Friendship Group Chairman Kim Sung-won, who paid a courtesy call at the Philippine Senate today.
“Our strong relations encompass development initiatives, humanitarian assistance to help recover from natural calamities, and defense and security cooperation that is clearly evident in the Philippines today,” Senator Sotto added.
Sotto and Kim discussed the coordination on visa and labor concerns affecting Filipino workers in Korea, as well as interests in business engagement with Philippine stakeholders and further strengthening of parliamentary ties.
Acknowledging 77 years of diplomatic relations, both officials highlighted the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership and bolstering of cooperation in defense, development, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. Kim also offered to showcase Korea’s industrial expertise, particularly in shipbuilding, defense, and nuclear power.
As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairship this year, Kim reaffirmed South Korea’s full support for the Philippines and the ASEAN community.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian will serve as the Chairman of the Philippine counterpart of the Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Current members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group from the Philippine side include Senators Bam Aquino, Pia Cayetano, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Sherwin Gatchalian, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Risa Hontiveros, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Manuel “Lito” Lapid, Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos, Erwin Tulfo, Raffy Tulfo, Joel Villanueva and Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri.
