Lee says Korea a reliable partner of PH amid global instability
Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa said his country is a reliable partner of the Philippines, recalling the Philippines' role in Korea's history as the first country in Asia to send combat troops to the Korean War in 1950.
At a luncheon he hosted for members of the Philippine media earlier this week, Lee said, 'Korea knows what solidarity means.'
'This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. We will never forget that the Philippines was the first Asian nation to send combat troops in 1950—ultimately more than 7,000 strong,' Lee said.
'Because our bond was forged in the crucible of war, it is natural that Korea stands as a reliable partner of the Philippines, particularly when we face deepening global instability, one that is fraught with fragmentation and uncertainty,' he added.
'As fellow maritime nations, we share an abiding interest in peace and stability, as well as upholding a rules-based order in the South China Sea and beyond,' Lee said.
Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy; and Reina Anne S. Dimapawi, Assistant Vice President and Deputy Head of Integrated News Operations, attended the luncheon.
Lee thanked the Philippine government, the Filipino people, and the media 'for the trust you have shown in the resilience of Korea's democracy.'
'As you know, Korea has come through a period of domestic uncertainty following the declaration of martial law last December,' Lee said.
'With the inauguration of President Lee Jae-myung's new government, stability has been restored across the board. We believe this renewed confidence at home will translate into fresh momentum in our 76-year-old ties,' he added.
Lee said that after the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement came into force in December, Korea has topped the list of foreign investors based on PEZA-approved projects.
'We expect even more good news in the months ahead as businesses act on the new opportunities unlocked by the FTA and the Philippines' CREATE MORE Act,' Lee said.
Lee said the two countries' defense cooperation also continued to grow with the Korean-built frigate—the BRP Miguel Malvar—getting commissioned in May.
'And with the 12 additional FA-50 fighter aircraft contracted in June, this active defense cooperation will help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines,' Lee said.
Lee said the Filipinos and Koreans also feel their connection through culture.
'Korean culture continues to bring our communities closer. I am glad that Filipinos enthusiastically streamed the latest Squid Game season and embraced the animated hit K-Pop Demon Hunters,' Lee said.
'Building on that excitement, the Korean Cultural Center is hosting 'Step Into the World of K-Pop Demon Hunters' from 18 July to 4 August,' he added.
' I encourage all of you to visit and try on the iconic gat (let me show you this), and create traditional maedeup knots and paint your own Magpie-and-Tiger folk art piece. It's a fun, hands-on way to experience Korea's creative spirit,' Lee said. –NB, GMA Integrated News
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