Philippine, South Korea officials reaffirm security cooperation, humanitarian support

The Senate recently welcomed members of the Korean National Assembly, Kim Sung-won, President of the ROK–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Park Ming-kyu, Vice-President of the same group.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Honorable Kim Sung Won, President of the Korea–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group, discussed the coordination on visa and labor concerns affecting Filipino workers in Korea, as well as interests in business engagement with Philippine stakeholders and parliamentary ties between the two countries.

Sotto, together with Senators Panfilo Lacson and Sherwin Gatchalian, also welcomed Mr. Hwang Kang-woo during a courtesy call at the Senate of the Philippines.

Sotto reaffirmed that the relationship between the two countries is held in high regard, built on trust and friendship forged at a defining moment in Korea’s history.

“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,” he added.

Sotto emphasized the Philippines’ strong ties with Korea, built on trust and a friendship forged during a pivotal moment in Korea’s history. With the Philippines taking the ASEAN Chair this year, Congressman Kim expressed Korea’s full support for both the Philippines and the ASEAN Community.

Commemorating 77 years of diplomatic relations, the talks underscored the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, with enhanced cooperation in defense, development, trade, and cultural exchanges. Congressman Kim also offered to share Korea’s expertise in industries such as shipbuilding, defense, and nuclear energy.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening parliamentary relations, renewing bilateral exchanges, and collaborating in multilateral forums, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Gatchalian will serve as the Philippine counterpart of the Parliamentary Friendship Group and will work closely with his Korean counterparts in further strengthening the partnership between the two countries.

The following Senators are currently members of the association: 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 Zubiri.