DFA Undersecretary Meets with ROK Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs, ROK Ministry of Interior and Safety Director General for Civil Defense 

Multilateral Affairs experts Philippine Undersecretary Jesus “Gary” Domingo and ROK Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs Park Yongmin met in Seoul to discuss a wide range of topics, including the importance of enhancing multilateral cooperation to address global challenges. PH Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega also joined the meeting. (Seoul PE photos)

SEOUL 02 October 2023 – Philippine Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus S. Domingo and ROK Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs Park Yongmin discussed ways to enhance multilateral cooperation on democracy, open government partnership, and other areas of mutual interest in a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 14 September 2023. 

Undersecretary Domingo was joined by Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Third Secretary Reisha Olavario, and Special Assistant Erika Henri Laudencia during the meeting. 

During the meeting, Undersecretary Domingo affirmed the Philippine commitment to and support for multilateral activities defending against authoritarianism, addressing and fighting corruption, and advancing respect for human rights under the Summit for Democracy, as well as global efforts that aim to stop the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, and related materials under the Proliferation Security Initiative. 

Undersecretary Domingo served as the Philippine head of delegation for both conferences held in Seoul and Jeju Island earlier this year. Undersecretary Domingo also conveyed the Philippine interest and readiness to further its role in these summits and ideas on how to synergize democratic and non-proliferation efforts. Undersecretary Domingo also took the opportunity to brief the Deputy Minister on Philippine initiatives in the recently-held Open Government Partnership regional meeting in Estonia where the Philippines hosted two side events highlighting the nexus between existing technologies and innovative approaches towards fiscal openness, transparency, public participation, and legislative oversight.

Undersecretary Domingo and Deputy Minister Park also had a warm and productive exchange on regional security cooperation, energy, civil defense, social and cultural development, maritime concerns, and people-to-people exchanges including training and development of young diplomats. 

Moreover, Undersecretary Domingo also met with ROK Ministry of Interior and Safety Director General for Civil Defense Park Jeonghyeon and Director General Kim Jeonghag of the Emergency Preparedness Policy Bureau to discuss areas of mutual interest in civil defense and disaster preparedness in a meeting at the Ministry of Interior and Safety last 14 September 2023. 

Undersecretary Domingo was joined by Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Third Secretary Reisha Olavario, and Special Assistant Erika Henri Laudencia during the meeting. Civil Defense Division Director Park Hyunyong joined the MOIS delegation and led an informative briefing on the ROK civil defense system. 

During the meeting, Undersecretary Domingo looked forward to cooperation in future activities, such as training and education on civil defense between first responders and policymaking officials of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. He likewise emphasized the importance of close cooperation on civil defense matters, as well as emergency preparedness against natural disasters, calamities, and regional security threats. He also informed the ROK that the Philippines is open to exchanging best practices with the Republic of Korea, especially in typhoon, flood, and earthquake-related emergencies. Undersecretary Domingo also emphasized the importance of taking care of the welfare of the multicultural community in Korea, including the more than 62,000 Filipinos living in the ROK, by making foreigner-friendly announcements, applications, and signages for emergency alerts and notices. 

The Philippine delegation was also given a tour of the ROK’s state-of-the-art civil defense and emergency preparedness facilities. END

Philippine Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Jesus “Gary” Domingo and ROK MOIS officials discuss civil defense cooperation and emergency preparedness at the ROK Ministry of Interior and Safety. (Seoul PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.seoulpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philembassy-seoul.com, or https://www.facebook.com/PHinKorea/.