President Yoon asks Korean community in the Philippines to cooperate in diplomacy and economic development - South Korea

On the 6th, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol said at a meeting with Koreans living in the Philippines that, "As a central global nation, the Republic of Korea will contribute to world freedom, peace, and prosperity, and will play an active role in diplomacy.
"I ask all our fellow countrymen to lend us their strength so that we can further expand our horizons and economic territory," President Yoon said at a dinner for fellow countrymen held at a hotel in Manila, the Philippines, on the same day.
At the meeting, he said, "As my fellow compatriots are well aware, Korea and the Philippines have built a close relationship of friendship and cooperation."
President Yoon said of the Philippines, "In 1949, it became the first ASEAN country to sign a trade agreement with Korea and the fifth country in the world.
"It was the first country to send the largest number of troops from Asia during the Korean War and fought alongside us in defense of a free Republic of Korea, and we are grateful to it," he said.
He also explained that, "Currently, one in four foreigners visiting the Philippines is a Korean," and that "1.45 million Korean nationals visited the Philippines last year alone."
"The Filipino people are enjoying K-pop and KTV series and feel very close to our culture and Korean language," President Yoon said. "I hope that this will deepen the ties and friendship between our two countries."
"I believe that the role of our compatriots in the development of Korea-Philippine relations was extremely important," he said. "As president, I am grateful to our compatriots for their constant and encouraging support in the process of developing Korea-Philippine relations.
"Due to successive challenges such as the Taal Volcano eruption, Super Typhoon Odette, and the COVID-19 pandemic, I have had to leave the workplace and life base where I have worked hard for a long time.
"Even in these difficult times, our compatriots have extended a warm hand to the Filipino people through volunteer work and scholarship programs," he said.
President Yoon said, "I believe that if the relationship between our two countries develops in this way, those of you working in the Philippines will be able to enjoy various benefits and advantages."
"The government of their home country will actively support them so that they can become more active in local communities with pride and self-esteem as Koreans," he added.