The Philippines has rolled out the red carpet for South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. And he’s departed with an agreement that should help both countries cope with the tensions on their respective doorsteps.
Yoon was in Manila for a state visit. He met President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, and they decided to take bilateral ties to a new level.
Marcos said that two countries have formally elevated their relations to a “strategic partnership in an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic environment.”
Yoon says South Korea will contribute to the Philippine military’s multibillion-dollar modernization program.
Manila plans to acquire fighter jets, submarines and other weapons in light of Beijing’s moves in the South China Sea.
The two sides also agreed to boost cooperation among their coast guards.
In a joint press conference with Marcos, Yoon said they will continue “working together to establish a rules-based maritime order, and for freedom of navigation in pursuance of the principles of international law.”
Yoon says he and Marcos also agreed that the international community should never condone North Korea’s nuclear programs and reckless provocations.