MANILA - The Korean embassy in Manila affirms its determination and commitment of the Korean government to uphold peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
This is according to Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa in his speech delivered during the Onboard welcome reception of the Republic of Korea (ROK) CheonJabong ROKN 2023 Partnership Training Task Group, held Friday, 25 August 2023 at Solitech Port, San Fernando, La Union.
Joining the Pacific Partnership 2023 from Korea are professors, professionals and students from the Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy and College of Veterinary Medicine from Seoul National University.
According to Lee, the Korean government is committed to uphold peace and stability as well as promote shared prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Under the leadership of President Yoon Suk Yeol, our government has embarked on an Indo-Pacific Strategy which is the first comprehensive regional plan in our nation’s history,” Lee said.
“As a flagship diplomatic blueprint, it hopes to strengthen solidarity and cooperation among those who share core values like freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Being peace-loving countries, the Philippines and Korea defend these universal values which are firmly anchored on rules-based international order,” Lee added.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier announced that its units will be participating in the US-led Pacific Partnership 2023 on August 22 to 31, 2023 as part of its efforts to beef up humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities.
These are medical and dental civic action programs focusing on exchanges and community education to help build resilience and enhance capabilities to respond to HADR needs.
Engineering projects will also be performed by American, South Korean and Filipino military engineers to address critical infrastructure concerns.
According to Lee, the mission is a perfect model of public diplomacy through its various activities such as construction and remodelling of schools, undersea topography mapping, veterinary diseases response and the like.
The Korean envoy is confident that through such activities, the special bond between Korea and the Philippines will further deepen in the coming years.
“Next year, our two countries will celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Both sides have already begun discussions to make this milestone year even more special. Moving forward, I am counting on your strong support,” Lee said.
