President Lee Jae-myung on the 31st held summit talks with the presidents of the Philippines and Chile and discussed key issues of interest, including cooperation in core industrial sectors and matters on the Korean Peninsula.
In the afternoon, at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO) in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, President Lee met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who visited Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, and said, "The Philippines and the Republic of Korea are truly special allies," adding, "When the Republic of Korea faced a national crisis, the Philippines dispatched a great many troops to fight alongside us. The Korean people have not forgotten the Philippines' contributions, dedication and sacrifice."
President Lee said, "I hope your visit today will serve as an opportunity to forge a denser partnership at a higher level."
Marcos said, "Next year we will assume the APEC chair," adding, "It will be a good opportunity to work so that the Asia-Pacific region can become more prosperous."
He went on, "Exchanges between the two countries are very important for advancing the relationship," and requested a visit to the Philippines by President Lee, to which Lee responded, "I will visit in the near future."
In a subsequent closed-door meeting, Marcos said, "As the next ASEAN chair, we will actively cooperate to establish lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula," according to Presidential Office Spokesperson Kim Nam-joon. Lee was also said to have responded, "We will continue our efforts to open a new era of peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity on the Korean Peninsula."
The two leaders agreed that the South Korea-Philippines free trade agreement (FTA), which marks its first year, is making a tangible contribution to expanding economic cooperation between the two countries, and they agreed to work closely together to facilitate the activities of Korean corporations in the Philippines. They also agreed to further strengthen strategic cooperation in defense industry, shipbuilding and infrastructure.
President Lee noted the recent establishment of a "Korean Help Desk" inside a Philippine police station and expressed appreciation for efforts to ensure the safety of Korean residents. The two leaders agreed to strengthen regional cooperation to eradicate transnational crimes such as scam compounds, while also further strengthening strategic cooperation in defense industry, shipbuilding and infrastructure.
In a subsequent meeting with Chilean President Gabriel Boric, President Lee said, "Chile was the first in South America to recognize the Republic of Korea and the first to conclude a free trade agreement, maintaining a special relationship with the Republic of Korea in many respects," adding, "We welcome you to the Republic of Korea, even after a journey that took as long as 36 hours, together with our people."
Gabriel said, "We came from very far away. Although we are 18,000 km apart, we feel (Korea is) a very close country," adding, "because Korea is a model in the recovery of democracy."
He went on, "Korea and Chile are culturally close. Although our two countries are physically far apart, in fact we are close," adding, "We hope our friendship will become even more solid and become a long-term friendship."
In the subsequent closed-door meeting, the two leaders agreed that combining Korea's manufacturing technology with Chile's abundant energy and mineral resources could generate great synergy, and they agreed to develop the countries' strategic partnership. They were also said to have agreed to work closely together so the two countries can co-host the 4th U.N. Ocean Conference in 2028.