Philippines and ROK Foreign Ministers Talk Defense Cooperation, COVID-19 Collaboration, and Regional Issues

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. (left) with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Chung Eui Yong (right) (DFA-ASPAC photo)

MANILA, 26 MAY 2021 – Speaking by phone on 12 May, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Minister Chung Eui Yong highlighted their countries’ defense cooperation, noting ROK’s contribution to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including the delivery of two guided-missile frigates over the past year.

Also, Secretary Locsin expressed appreciation to South Korea for being one of the first countries to extend emergency assistance at the onset of the pandemic and agreed to continue its collaboration on the COVID-19 pandemic.

They further discussed various regional issues, such as the situation in the Korean Peninsula and developments in the West Philippine Sea.

On the crisis in Myanmar, the two foreign ministers expressed support for the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, with emphasis on the immediate cessation of violence against civilians, and pursuit of a peaceful solution towards the restoration of democracy.

Secretary Locsin took the opportunity to invite Minister Chung to visit the Philippines in late June to continue discussions on further deepening and elevating the partnership between the Philippines and ROK. END