MANILA, Philippines - In celebration of its National Day and Armed Forces Day last October 3, 2015, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea opened its gates, on October 6, 2015, to Philippine Government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and the media. Korean Ambassador Kim Jae Shin personally expressed his gratitude to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, who had just returned from the United Nations meeting in New York City. Speaking in Tagalog, he also thanked the members of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), represented by its most prominent veteran, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, for their bravery during the Korean War 65 years ago. Ambassador Kim was particularly proud of the relationship that both countries have formed and maintained since 1949, when they first established diplomatic ties. He maintained that the visit of Korean President Park Geun Hye in November to attend the APEC Summit will further strengthen the two nations’ cooperation and friendship. Photos by Mike Amoroso