KOREA BULLETIN The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
FROM
THE
DECEMBER 2019
AMBASSADOR‘S
DESK
HAN Dong-man, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary
In this season of joy, peace, and good tidings, there is much to be grateful for in this platinum jubilee year of KoreaPhilippines relations. Since 3 March 1949, when the Philippines became the first ASEAN country to recognize the Republic of Korea as a sovereign state, the relationship between our two countries has expanded to various areas of cooperation. This was underscored this year with the establishment of the Philippine Korea Society (PKS) on 7 November. The PKS was conceived last year to stimulate and coordinate Korea-related activities in the Philippines, spread knowledge and information about Korea to the Filipino public, and promote people-to-people exchange and friendship between the Philippines and Korea. More importantly, President Duterte had the opportunity to once again talk with President Moon Jae-in during their bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the 2019 ASEANRepublic of Korea Commemorative Summit held in Busan from 25-26 November in cele-
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bration of the 30th anniversary of the Korea-ASEAN dialogue partnership. The summit produced four agreements and a joint statement on a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries. The agreement on social security would benefit thousands of Filipinos working in Korea, while the education cooperation package is expected to satisfy the demand of Filipinos who want to learn about Korea’s language and culture and to expand existing education facilities. On the other hand, the fisheries deal would enable the Philippines to use Korean technology to develop its fishery resources. Recognizing that Koreans comprise the largest group of tourists in the Philippines, with around 1.6 visitors in 2018, the implementation program on tourism cooperation seeks to introduce joint programs and activities that will bolster twoway tourism promotion and align tourism efforts between the two countries. Even as the achievements of the summit are something
Philippine-Korea Society officially launched Korea provides P5M Humanitarian Aid for Mindanao Earthquake Relief Operations
to be proud of, the 70th anniversary of Korea-Philippine relations is perhaps a greater source of pride because it merges the milestones reached by both countries with the abundant expectations that the future holds. In celebrating this friendship that is seven decades old, many activities were held involving Filipinos as well as the Korean community, such as a Peace Concert last May and a Friendship Parade in June. To highlight the vibrant bilateral relations between Korea and the Philippines, consistent with the Duterte administration’s development plans, the Korea Importers Association conducted an import mission last July with the end in view of establishing trade balance by narrowing the gap between export and import levels. Riding on the confidence generated by the government’s Build, Build, Build program, an Infrastructure Forum was held in September to discover how Korean companies can collaborate with Philippine stakeholders on future pro-
jects. In the same month, the Korea International Cooperation Agency launched a Project for E-invoicing to support the tax reform program of the government. These initiatives will further gain momentum once the FTA is finally concluded, hopefully by early 2020. The joint statement on the FTA during the November summit highlighted the two countries’ resolve to pursue a trade deal. The removal of tariffs and nontariff barriers under the FTA should promote greater economic cooperation between Korea and the Philippines. As this year of celebration comes to a close, another milestone year arises. 2020 marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. This was the momentous time when the friendship between the Philippines and Korea was solidified through the bravery and selfless sacrifice of more than 7,000 Filipino soldiers who fought under the United Nations Command to preserve the freedom and sovereignty of the Republic of Korea.
Embassy organizes traditional and contemporary artworks exhibition
Korean Embassy Celebrates its National and Armed Forces Day
‘Korea Town’ to rise soon in Manila
Embassy hosts FilipinoKorean fusion dinner with Chef Jang Jin-mo
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