Headline
Duterte gains ‘full support’ of South Korea
MANILA, Philippines—The South Korean government has recently expressed support and cooperation with President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s incoming administration.
In a courtesy call in Davao on Thursday, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Jae-Jhin conveyed the congratulatory message of South Korean President Park Geun-Hye to Duterte on his victory in the presidential election and affirmed South Korea’s full support and cooperation with the incoming administration.
“We hope under his leadership, the Philippines will continue to develop further and further. For this, the Korean government will fully support and cooperate with him in pursuing his new policies,” Kim said.
Kim also expressed South Korea’s interest in strengthening bilateral ties with the Philippines.
“As you know, the Philippines and Korea maintain a very close and cooperative relations. We want to expand our bilateral relations under his leadership,” he said.
Duterte and Kim discussed South Korea’s interest in boosting joint programs with the Philippines that aim to maintain peace and order, such as capacity-building in police investigations.
Among the various topics discussed are Korean investments and Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects in the Philippines. South Korea also vowed to support the modernization of the Philippine military.
In return, Duterte promised to support the South Korean government’s campaign against the nuclear program of North Korea.
“Let me assure you that we are with you,” Duterte was quoted as saying.
