Nation

Marcos and South Korea's Lee Seal 10 Major Agreements — From Defense to Digital Innovation

Tabloid PH Newsdesk

Mar 4, 2026 — 1 min read

Photo: The Manila Times

The Philippines and South Korea just leveled up their relationship big time. On Tuesday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and visiting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung signed 10 bilateral agreements covering everything from defense procurement and veterans affairs to digital innovation and even Korean language training in public schools.

The signing took place at Malacañang following a bilateral meeting where both leaders discussed defense, maritime security, trade, and people-to-people ties. "We have made significant strides in advancing and deepening our bilateral cooperation," Marcos said during a joint press statement, noting the agreements span agriculture, trade, intellectual property, and police cooperation.

Marcos was also full of praise for Seoul's contributions to the AFP modernization program, the revival of the Philippine shipbuilding industry, and strategic investments in semiconductors. He specifically thanked South Korea for infrastructure projects like the Panguil Bay Bridge in Northern Mindanao and development programs in health, agriculture, energy, and artificial intelligence.

Both presidents also exchanged views on hot-button geopolitical issues including the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula. "We agreed on the need to firmly and consistently uphold a rules-based order governed by international law, including in the maritime domain," Marcos stressed. This is Lee's first state visit to the Philippines since the PH-Korea Free Trade Agreement took effect on December 31, 2024.

Lee, who is in the country for a two-day state visit with wife Kim Hea Kyung, kicked off his trip by laying a wreath at the Rizal Monument. On Wednesday, the two leaders are expected to attend the Philippines-Korea Business Forum in Pasay City. The visit coincides with the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Source: The Manila Times

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