MANILA – Outgoing South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man on Monday cited the deepening and expanding ties between South Korea and the Philippines in all aspects, including economics and mutual security the past three years.
“I am going back to Seoul with a heavy heart but with very pleasant memories not only of this country and its people but also of the relationships that were forged here,” Han said in his farewell letter.
Han is scheduled to return to South Korea on Wednesday after serving almost three years as Seoul’s envoy to Manila.
Han said he will treasure the “friendship that has enriched cooperation and exchanges between our two nations”.
“I have seen Philippine-Korea relations deepening and expanding in various ways ranging from the economic, and political spheres, to mutual security and cultural exchange, among other things. I am optimistic that as our countries further elevate bilateral relations to a new level, together we will emerge stronger when this pandemic is finally over. I cannot believe how quickly time has passed. Words are not enough to express my deepest gratitude for the warm Filipino hospitality, friendship, and support that you have given to me in the period of almost three years that I have been in this wonderful country,” Han said.
The strong ties between Seoul and Manila date back to 1950 when the Philippines became the first Asian country to send 7,420-strong combat troops during the Korean War which ended in 1953.
At that time, the Philippines was still struggling from the ruins of World War II and was also fighting an insurgency, but the Philippines did not hesitate to send combat forces to Korea which was in dire need of help when it was invaded by communist Chinese and North Korean forces.
Two members of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), who are still alive today are former President Fidel V. Ramos, 92, and retired Maj. Max Young, 98.