MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on March 3 welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at Malacañang Palace for a two-day state visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties in defense, maritime security, and economic relations.

Marcos and FL Liza Marcos accorded arrival honors to Lee at the Kalayaan Grounds. The South Korean leader was accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea Kyung.

The visit marks the first by a South Korean head of state to the Philippines since the Philippines-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement took effect on December 31, 2024.

Following the welcome ceremony, Lee signed the Palace guestbook before proceeding to a bilateral meeting with Marcos. Key Cabinet members joined the Philippine side, including Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr., National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez.

The two leaders are expected to discuss enhanced collaboration in defense and maritime security amid evolving regional and global security dynamics, as well as the broader implications of rising Middle East tensions on energy markets and supply chains.

After the bilateral talks, Marcos and Lee are scheduled to deliver a joint press statement and witness the signing and exchange of agreements between the two governments.

Milestone visit

Lee's state visit coincides with the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea, which dates back to March 1949.

The two countries have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership in recent years, with cooperation spanning trade, infrastructure, energy, shipbuilding, and defense modernization.

Marcos and Lee last met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, which South Korea hosted in Gyeongju in October last year.

Lee arrived in the Philippines following a visit to Singapore. Upon arrival Tuesday, he paid tribute to Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at Luneta Park in Manila.