Duterte wants PH-SoKor cooperation brought ‘to a whole new level’

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and South Korean President Moon Jae-in pose for a photo prior to the start of the bilateral meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on November 13, 2017. (Presidential Photo)

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte said Saturday night he wants to bring the cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea to a whole new level, since there is much room for growth between the two countries across areas of mutual interests.

“As a long-standing partner, the Republic of Korea has already joined the Philippines in our efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic development growth,” Duterte said in his speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Pasay City before departing in a commercial flight for South Korea past midnight Sunday for his first official visit there on June 3-5.

“Yet, there is much room for even healthier growth across the areas of mutual interests. The Philippines stands ready to write a new chapter of closer ties, deeper amity and more comprehensive collaboration with South Korea,” he said.

The President will be meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in to discuss their countries’ defense and security, trade and investments, and political cooperations.

“In my talks with President Moon, I will explore ways to bring cooperation to a whole new level,” Duterte said, citing the need to work together to help achieve greater regional security by addressing conventional and emerging threats to stability in the region.

In pursuit of economic growth, the President said he will also meet with South Korean business leaders and encourage them to be partners and in turn, contribute to a comfortable life for Filipinos.

He is also scheduled to meet with the Filipino community and personally thank them for their contributions to Philippine socio-economic development.

Duterte, meanwhile, vowed to pursue efforts to reinvigorate the country’s partnership with South Korea grounded on national interest, common goals, and adherence to time-honored principles of international law.

The President also expressed hope that he would return with greater gains for the country, which he promised to report upon his return.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Strategic Communications Ernesto Abella earlier said that four agreements will be signed by the Philippines and South Korea during Duterte’s official visit.

Duterte and Moon will witness the signing of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on transportation, science and technology, trade and economic cooperation.