By Reporter Lee jon young

Foreign Minister Park Jin held a bilateral meeting with Enrique Manalo, the Philippine Foreign Minister, on the occasion of attending the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministerial Meeting held in Jakarta, Indonesia on July 14.

Ministers Park and Manalo agreed to further strengthen the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries in preparation for the 75th anniversary of South Korea-Philippine diplomatic relations in 2024. 

To achieve this goal, they discussed promoting active exchanges of high-level officials and exploring various cooperation measures, including elevating the relationship to a "strategic partnership."

The two ministers decided to enhance bilateral cooperation in key areas of practical cooperation, such as defense industry, energy, and social infrastructure. In particular, they exchanged in-depth opinions on enhancing cooperation through Korean companies' participation in the Philippine military modernization projects and nuclear power areas. 

Minister Park also requested the Philippine government's attention and support for the smooth activities of Korean construction companies operating in the Philippines.

Furthermore, Minister Park proposed expanding cooperation between South Korea and the Philippines in the field of ocean and climate change, included in the "Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI)," and Minister Manalo welcomed the proposal.

Minister Park added, "After the end of the pandemic, especially during this summer vacation season, it is expected that the number of our citizens visiting the Philippines will increase significantly." He requested that the Philippines pay special attention to ensure the safety and security of Korean travelers.

Ministers Park and Manalo also condemned North Korea for persistently conducting unprecedented levels of missile provocations, such as launching long-range ballistic missiles in clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Minister Park emphasized the importance of the international community's concerted response to make North Korea realize that it cannot achieve anything through nuclear and missile development and provocations. 

Minister Manalo reaffirmed his support for the South Korean government's efforts to bring about a cessation of North Korean provocations and a return to dialogue for denuclearization.

Meanwhile, Minister Park explained the recent visit of the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) inspection team to South Korea and the results of the presentation by the South Korean government at last month's BIE General Assembly. He requested the Philippines' support for hosting the 2030 Busan Expo, to which Minister Manalo responded, "We hope Busan achieve good results."