Camille Naredo

Article (news)

Jervis Manahan

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772535544109viber_image_2026-03-03_18-56-00-199.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="MPC pool photo" width="960"/>MPC pool photo</div>MANILA (UPDATED) -- South Korea president Lee Jae Myung and President Bongbong Marcos held a bilateral meeting on the first day of the former&#x27;s two-day state visit.The president and first lady Kim Hea Kyung arrived in the Philippines past noon on Tuesday, March 3.They offered flowers at the Rizal Park in Manila before being accorded arrival honors at the Malacanang Complex.The two leaders talked about cooperation on defense, people-to-people ties, and other international issues.&quot;The Philippines will always remember how our friendship was forged during the Korean War when we sent our men to fight alongside our people,&quot; President Marcos Jr said in a speech. &quot;That bond cemented in solidarity during very difficult times continues to guide our strategic partnership,&quot; he added.This is President Lee&#x27;s first visit to the Philippines, and his first state visit since the effectivity of the Free Trade Agreement between Philippines and South Korea.Ten Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) were signed during the bilateral meeting.&quot;Our closer defense, security and maritime cooperation reflects our mutual trust as we respond to a rapidly evolving international security environment,&quot; Marcos Jr said.The Free Trade Agreement between the two countries took effect in December 2024, effectively eliminating tariffs on 94% of Philippine exports to South Korea and 96.5% of South Korean products entering the Philippines.The agreement is expected to further boost trade in automobiles, electronics, and agriculture.&quot;Our free trade agreement has brought about new opportunities for trade and investment, the export of bananas and other tropical fruits and crops for our region,&quot; he added.The state visit also coincides with the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea.<div> </div><div> </div>

South Korea president Lee Jae Myung and President Bongbong Marcos held a bilateral meeting on the first day of the former's two-day state visit.

South Korea president Lee Jae Myung and President Bongbong Marcos held a bilateral meeting on the first day of the former's two-day state visit.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Marcos hold bilateral meeting

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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Marcos hold bilateral meeting

Jervis Manahan,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 03, 2026 01:56 PM PHT

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Updated March 03, 2026 09:17 PM PHT

Read More:

Lee Jae Myung

Kim Hea Kyung

South Korea

State Visit

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