PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte says he will seek a stronger defense cooperation with South Korea against conventional and emerging security threats in the region during his official visit to that country.
“In my talks with President Moon [Jae-in], I will explore ways to bring cooperation to a whole new level,” Duterte said in a speech before leaving for Seoul late Saturday night.
“This will be based on respect for sovereign equality and for the democratic ideals that we both fought hard to secure. I will emphasize the importance of strengthening our partnership in defense and security, trade and investments and political cooperation.
“I will likewise stress the need to work together to help achieve greater security by addressing conventional and emerging threats to stability in our region.”
Duterte will be in South Korea for a three-day official visit until June 5.
“Today, we stand shoulder to shoulder in advancing our shared aspirations and in facing threats to our nations, our peoples and in our region. There is much to learn from South Korea’s experience and expertise,” Duterte said.
Duterte on Sunday met with members of the Filipino community at the Grand Hilton Hotel and Convention Center.
Philippine Ambassador to Seoul Raul Hernandez said there were about 66,000 Filipinos living in South Korea, and they were mostly employed in factories and in the service industry.
Duterte will have a meeting with the South Korean President today, Monday, at the Blue House.
At least four agreements are expected to be signed during the trip, including a loan agreement for the new Cebu International Container Port Project and memorandums of agreement on transportation, science and technology and trade and economic cooperation.