Philippines, Republic of Korea Underscore Shared Commitment to Deepen Maritime Cooperation in 2nd Maritime Dialogue

(Photo courtesy of DFA-OPCD Jeffrey Mendoza)

MANILA 13 October 2023 – The Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK) underscored their shared commitment to deepen maritime cooperation as the two countries’ delegations met in Manila, for the second Philippines-ROK Maritime Korea, on October 12.

The two sides acknowledged the importance of the oceans to their national interests as they seek to build on their already robust engagement in the field of maritime cooperation.

The Maritime Dialogue covered a broad range of topics, including ocean economy, marine environment, maritime security and safety, and regional and multilateral maritime-related developments.

In her opening remarks, the Head of the Philippine Delegation, Assistant Secretary Maria Angela Ponce of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs said that this year’s Maritime Dialogue was “an opportune occasion to reaffirm our commitment to the enhancement of our mutual engagement in the maritime domain,” ahead of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in 2024.   

Assistant Secretary Ponce also took the opportunity to thank the ROK for citing the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea in its written submission to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea on the request for an advisory opinion related to climate change.

The ROK Delegation, for its part, said that the success of the Maritime Dialogue with the Philippines—its only maritime dialogue with ASEAN Member States—would serve as a model for the establishment of similar mechanisms with countries in the region in the future.

The Philippine Delegation included Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Maria Theresa B. Dizon-de Vega and other DFA officials, supported by representatives of various national agencies in charge of maritime-related matters. The ROK Delegation, on the other hand, led by Foreign Ministry Director General Kim Dong Bae, was supported by representatives of key national government agencies. END

(Photos courtesy of DFA-OPCD Jeffrey Mendoza)