Duterte to seek stronger defense, trade ties with South Korea

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte said on Saturday, June 2, that he will seek a “reinvigorated partnership” with South Korea during his 3-day official visit there.

Duterte made the statement in his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 less than an hour before he boarded a commercial flight to Seoul.

The President said that in his talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-In, he will seek “greater partnership” in defense and security, and trade and investment, and political cooperation with the Asian nation.

He said he would also stress the need to “work together to help achieve security by addressing conventional and emerging threats to stability in our country.”

The President and his delegation boarded a commercial Philippine Airlines flight past 12 midnight on Sunday, and were set to arrive in Seoul past 5 am.

On his first day in South Korea, the President’s only official schedule is a meeting with members of the Filipino community at the Grand Hilton Hotel and Convention Center late Sunday afternoon.

On Monday, June 4, Duterte will meet with Moon at the Blue House. Duterte first met Moon in November 2017 when the Korean leader attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila.

The two leaders will witness the signing of bilateral agreements after their meeting, then they will issue a joint statement.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earier said the Philippines and South Korea are expected to sign 4 documents during Duterte’s visit, including a loan agreement for the Cebu International Container Port Project. 

Moon will host a dinner reception for Duterte at the State Guest House on Monday.

On Tuesday, June 5, Duterte will keynote a business forum hosted by the Korean business community, and will also be the guest of honor at the Emart Philippine Food Festival.

The President is expected to return to Manila late Tuesday. – Rappler.com