Philippines, South Korea Ink Deal on Maritime Cooperation, Bataan Nuclear Power Plant

The Philippines and South Korea have signed six new agreements, including deals on maritime cooperation and a feasibility study for rehabilitating the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

The signing, witnessed by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, took place on October 7 in Malacañang as both nations committed to elevate their relationship to a "strategic partnership."

President Yoon Suk Yeol is in Manila for a two-day state visit, marking the first visit by a South Korean leader to the Philippines since 2011.

During their bilateral meeting, Presidents Marcos and Yoon agreed to elevate their nations' ties to a strategic partnership, aiming to deepen cooperation amid a complex geopolitical and economic environment. Discussions covered areas such as defense, maritime cooperation, economic development, and cultural exchanges.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international matters, including issues in the West Philippine Sea and the Korean Peninsula. President Marcos expressed support for South Korea's initiatives to promote peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula.

Bilateral relations between the Philippines and South Korea date back to March 1949, when the Philippines became the fifth nation to recognize the Republic of Korea. This relationship was further strengthened by the deployment of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) during the Korean War in the 1950s.

Marcos and Yoon are scheduled to attend the Philippines-Korea Business Forum later on Monday.