South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed to strengthen the maritime security partnership between the Philippines and South Korea while committing to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

“Based on the MOU on maritime cooperation signed today, our two countries will reinforce maritime security partnership in such as areas as tackling transnational crime, information sharing and conducting search and rescue missions,” President Yoon said in a joint press conference with President Marcos.

The Philippines and SoKor signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and South Korea Coast Guard on Maritime Cooperation to enhance understanding, mutual trust, and confidence.

The agreement also seeks to promote, preserve, and protect the maritime interests of both countries in Asia-Pacific and ensure maritime order and safety within the region.

“We, the two leaders exchanged views on a wide-range of issues in the region and across the global and agreed to strengthen the strategic cooperation in a bid to uphold the rules-based international order,” President Yoon declared.

“We shared a common understanding about the importance of peace, stability, and safety in the South China Sea, which is a critical sea lane of communications in the region. In this regard, our two countries will continue to work together in order to establish a rules-based maritime order and for the freedom of navigation and overflight pursuant to the principles of the international law in the South China Sea,” he added.

For his part, President Marcos acknowledged the agreements forged between the Philippines and South Korea, describing them as significant strides in advancing and deepening bilateral cooperation for the achievement of mutually beneficial goals. | PND