Envoy affirms South Korea’s support for Mindanao development

MANILA, Philippines — South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa has affirmed his country’s support for the smooth conduct of the peace process and socioeconomic development efforts in Mindanao.

Lee visited the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Monday and met with BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, marking his first official trip to Cotabato City, the seat of the BARMM government.

The envoy expressed hope that the coming BARMM parliamentary election in September would be free, fair, peaceful and orderly.

During the meeting, Lee and Macacua discussed cooperations in peacebuilding and health governance as well as delivery of essential services to communities across the autonomous region.

Lee underscored the importance that his government placed on the Mindanao peace process, noting that it has been recognized in high-level discussions between South Korea and the Philippines.

He cited his government’s continued development and humanitarian assistance extended in the region.

Lee visited projects supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency and implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration and the UNICEF.

He said these initiatives intended to strengthen health systems and improve access to education, nutrition, child protection and other basic services.