Marcos meets South Korean President Lee in Malacañang

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

PH-KOREA TIES. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and visiting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung hold a bilateral meeting in Malacañang on Tuesday (March 3, 2026). The South Korean leader is in the Philippines for a two-day state visit upon the invitation of Marcos. (Photo: PNA/Facebook)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Malacañang for a two-day state visit aimed at deepening cooperation in defense, maritime security and economic relations.

Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos accorded arrival honors to Lee at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañan Palace. The South Korean leader was accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea Kyung.

This marks the first state visit by a South Korean president to the Philippines since the Philippines–Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) took effect on Dec. 31, 2024.

Following the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds, Lee signed the Palace guestbook before proceeding to a bilateral meeting with Marcos.

The two leaders are expected to discuss enhanced collaboration in key sectors, including defense and maritime security, amid evolving regional and global security dynamics.

Joining Marcos in the meeting were key members of the Cabinet, including Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr., National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez.

The meeting comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, with potential implications for global energy markets and supply chains.

After the bilateral talks, Marcos and Lee are scheduled to deliver a joint press statement and witness the exchange of signed agreements between the two governments.

Lee’s visit coincides with the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea in March 1949.

The Philippines and South Korea elevated their ties to a strategic partnership in recent years, with cooperation spanning trade, infrastructure, energy, shipbuilding, and defense modernization.

Marcos and Lee last met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, which South Korea hosted in Gyeongju in October last year.

Lee’s trip follows his visit to Singapore. Upon arrival Tuesday, he paid tribute to Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at Luneta Park in Manila.