[Gyeongju APEC] Lee Meets Philippine President, Says "Mabuhay"...Promises Return Visit

President Marcos Invites President Lee to Visit the Philippines
Lee: "I Will Visit as Soon as Possible"

President Lee Jaemyung responded to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s invitation to visit the Philippines by saying, "I will make a visit as soon as possible."

Yonhap News Agency

On the 31st, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit held in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, President Lee made this remark after President Marcos emphasized the importance of exchanges at all levels and requested a visit to the Philippines during their meeting.

President Lee began his remarks to President Marcos by saying "Mabuhay," which means "welcome" in Filipino (Tagalog). He stated, "The Philippines and the Republic of Korea are special allies," adding, "When Korea was facing a national crisis, the Philippines sent many troops to fight alongside us."

President Lee continued, "The Korean people have not forgotten the contributions, dedication, and sacrifices of the Philippines," and expressed hope that, although Korea and the Philippines have long supported and cooperated with each other as allied nations, this presidential visit would serve as an opportunity to establish a closer and more advanced partnership. He concluded his remarks once again with "Mabuhay."

President Marcos said, "When I called to congratulate you on your election, I am very pleased to see that many of the matters we discussed are already yielding results," adding, "We are developing a strategic partnership."

President Marcos further expressed his gratitude for maintaining the strong bond between Korea and the Philippines, saying, "We fought together in the Korean War, helped each other during various disasters, and have also supported the welfare of both our peoples."

He noted, "We have achieved several milestones," mentioning the conclusion of the Korea-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and ongoing cooperation in the field of defense.

Additionally, President Marcos stated, "Next year, the Philippines will assume the ASEAN chairmanship," and added, "I believe this will be a great opportunity to promote a rules-based international order for greater prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region."