Welcoming the state visit of President Lee Jae Myung

The state visit of President Lee Jae Myung to Manila on 3-4 March comes at a historic juncture, coinciding with the 77th anniversary (March 3) of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Philippines. This milestone, occurring on March 3rd – code named “3377” or “double three, double seven” – is more than a ceremonial marker; the visit signals both nations’ readiness to translate decades of goodwill into concrete gains in peace, prosperity and people. It also aligns with the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 chairship, positioning our strategic partnership within a broader regional context.

The visit follows the meeting between President Lee and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju last November. On that occasion, President Marcos extended a personal invitation for President Lee to undertake a state visit to Manila.

Defense cooperation remains one of the most dynamic pillars of the relationship. This momentum was underscored in December by the commissioning of the frigate BRP Diego Silang – the second of the Miguel Malvar-class – and further bolstered just last week by the commissioning of the BRP Rajah Sulayman in Subic. As the lead ship of the Navy’s new Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) fleet, the Rajah Sulayman joins its frigate predecessors as a testament to the craftsmanship of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Together, these vessels serve as cornerstones of the Philippines’ efforts to safeguard maritime sovereignty, illustrating the indispensable role of Korean technology in modernizing the country’s naval capabilities.

Looking ahead, Seoul has reaffirmed its support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program. Plans include the possible acquisition of additional FA-50 fighter planes and advanced Multi-Role Fighter jets for the Air Force, as well as more frigate-class vessels for the Navy.

Economic engagement continues to broaden in scale and scope. A notable milestone was the reopening of the Subic Shipyard last year, attended by President Marcos, who noted how Korean investment was “reviving the shipbuilding in the country to strengthen industries, promote livelihood and build a better, stronger future for the Philippines.”

Building on the momentum of the ROK-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which entered into force in late 2024, bilateral trade has expanded steadily. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority confirms Korea’s status as a premier trading nation, accounting for 7.9 percent of total Philippine imports (approximately $10.58 billion) in 2025. This growth is further exemplified by robust export performance, with Philippine shipments to Korea reaching $272.09 million in December alone, signaling a significant boost in the flow of goods – particularly within the semiconductor, electronics, automotive and agricultural sectors.

This dynamic economic exchange provides the backdrop for the Business Forum scheduled on Wednesday, March 4. Organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Korean Industries, this forum will be a vital platform for discussing achievements and prospects in economic collaboration, including the ASEAN-Korea FTA and the Philippines’ Big Bold Reforms 2026. The gathering will also explore opportunities in strategic industries, including high-value manufacturing sectors such as shipbuilding and semiconductors; energy cooperation, particularly in nuclear power; infrastructure modernization and the creative industries.

Equally important are people-to-people ties. Tourism remains a bright spot: more than 1.3 million Koreans visited the Philippines last year, reaffirming Korea as the country’s largest source of foreign tourists. Conversely, over 600,000 Filipinos traveled to Korea in 2025, while more than 70,000 Filipinos now reside there. As further proof of this strong mutual affinity, in a 2025 survey, Korea placed third overall as a holiday destination for Filipinos, and by early 2026, the Philippines recorded one of the highest favorability ratings toward Korea worldwide – over 90 percent – driven largely by the broad appeal of Korean popular culture.

Beyond bilateral achievements, the state visit serves as a stepping stone toward deeper Korea-ASEAN relations. At the launch of the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 chairship, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. outlined three priorities – Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors and People Empowerment – to guide regional cooperation. These closely align with the ASEAN-Korea CSP vision, which was introduced by President Lee last year in Malaysia. “CSP” represents the ROK as “Contributor,” “Springboard” and “Partner.” Through this Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the initiative seeks to promote hope, innovation and peace.

As the Philippines leads ASEAN this year, the convergence of Manila’s regional stewardship and Seoul’s innovation-driven posture places this robust alliance at a strategic crossroads, enabling both nations to contribute meaningfully to regional prosperity and stability.

Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, the ROK and the Philippines reaffirm a bond that is not only resilient but forward-looking, grounded in shared values and aspirations for peace, innovation and inclusive growth.

Seventy-seven years after formal ties were established, Korea and the Philippines stand as enduring friends shaping the future together. President Lee’s state visit marks both a celebration of shared history and a launchpad for intensified relations, one that promises to carry the bilateral – as well as Korea-ASEAN – ties toward a more secure, prosperous and people-centered era. Let’s go together. Sama sama tayo!

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Lee Sang-hwa is the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines.