Marcos pushes for rules-based int’l order in talks with S. Korea’s Yoon

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomes South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Malacañang on October 7, 2024. (Photo screengrab from RTVM)

MANILA, Philippines — During a meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday stressed the need to “promote a rules-based order” under international law in light of ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Marcos made the pronouncement during a bilateral meeting with Yoon in Malacañang, where both leaders expressed their intention to build a “strategic partnership.”

“As the geopolitical environment is only becoming more complex, we must work together to achieve prosperity for our peoples and to promote a rules-based order governed by international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea) and the binding 2016 Arbitral Award,” he said.

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Marcos also acknowledged the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea, describing their “storied” ties, which are built on shared values and the sacrifices of thousands of Filipinos during the Korean War in 1950.

He noted how the the nations’ ties grew, forming partnerships in defense and security, maritime cooperation, trade, development, and people-to-people exchanges.

He then expressed hope that Yoon’s visit will lead to a “meaningful meeting” for South Korea and the Philippines not just in politics but also in the sectors of trade, defense and security.

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Meanwhile, Yoon cited the origins of the two nations’ ties, marking the formation of strategic relations as an opportunity to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

“Today we are elevating our relationship to a strategic partnership which will bring our cooperation to a higher level,” he said.

“I hope that my statement [serves] an opportunity to not only further enhance our trade and economic cooperation but also widen the scope of our partnership to include future-oriented sectors such as security, digital technology, and energy,” he added.

After the meeting, the two chief executives will sign Memorandas of Understanding (MOUs) covering strategic initiatives to strengthen the areas of maritime security, economy, development cooperation, energy, tourism and infrastructure.