By UN Journal Lee Jon-young

In honor of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines this year, President Yoon Suk-yeol exchanged congratulatory letters with Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. on March 3, the day of the diplomatic opening.

The Philippines was the first ASEAN country and the fifth country in the world to establish diplomatic relations with South Korea, and contributed 7,420 soldiers to the Korean War, the largest contingent of any Asian country.

In his congratulatory letter, President Yoon emphasized that Korea and the Philippines have a strong and deep-rooted history of fighting together for freedom and democracy, and extended warm congratulations to President Marcos and the Filipino people.

President Yoon expressed his hope that the bilateral relationship, which has developed in all aspects of trade, people-to-people exchanges, and development cooperation over the past 75 years, will be elevated to the status of "strategic partnership." 

He also expressed his expectation that the Korea-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (FTA), an important milestone in bilateral economic cooperation, will take effect later this year, dramatically expanding bilateral trade and investment.

In his congratulatory letter, President Marcos congratulated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, noting that the two countries have grown by leaps and bounds since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1949. 

He also expressed his hope that the bilateral relationship, which has developed in various fields, starting with solidarity for freedom and democracy during the Korean War, will continue to develop in the future.

President Marcos said he hopes that the two countries, as FTA partners, will pursue a "strategic partnership" that will pave the way for future-oriented cooperation in digital, science and technology, maritime, climate change, and energy.