24 November 2014 – South Korea’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Yang Sung-tae received Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez on November 17 at the Republic of Korea (ROK) Supreme Court building in Seoul, their first meeting since the latter presented his credentials to President Park Geun-hye in August this year.
Chief Justice Yang expressed his gratitude for the Philippines’ help during Korea’s “time of need” during the Korean War and its aftermath, adding that the two countries enjoy close relations. South Korea’s top judge said he was aware about the popularity of the Philippines among his compatriots, although he himself has yet to make a visit.
Chief Justice Yang stated his willingness to extend support to the Philippine judiciary, remarking that South Korea’s Supreme Court has pushed for cooperative activities with other countries in the region, such as Vietnam. Ambassador Hernandez thanked him for the offer and said the Philippines will explore possible areas for cooperation.
Ambassador Hernandez also mentioned the visit to South Korea of Philippine Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, who is currently embarking on major reforms, at the 3rd Congress of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice (WCCJ) with other leaders of constitutional justice from around the world from September 28 to October 01 this year.
Chief Justice Yang expressed his respect for the Philippines’ efforts to settle the dispute in the West Philippine Sea peacefully. END