(Unofficial translation)

President Duterte, on behalf of the Korean people, let me sincerely welcome you on your visit this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. When Your Excellency visited Korea last year, it was decided to designate 2019 as the year of mutual exchanges between the Philippines and Korea, leading to concerts, a film festival and exhibitions in Korea this year, as well as various cultural exchanges with the Philippines. This has served as an opportunity for Koreans to become closer to the people of the Philippines.

The Republic of the Philippines was the first among the ASEAN member states to establish diplomatic ties with the Republic of Korea and the first to forge ties in blood by taking part in the Korean War. I wish to offer my heartfelt thanks to the Filipino people, who have shown constant friendship over the past seven decades, as well as to the Filipino President, who has demonstrated special affection for Korea.  

The Korean people love the Philippines as well. Koreans represent the largest group of travelers to the Philippines, and the combined trade volume between our two nations surpassed US$15 billion for the first time last year. Numerous Korean companies have entered the Filipino markets from energy development, electricity generation, electronics, textiles and shipbuilding to infrastructure construction. 

The time is ripe for us to explore ways to upgrade our ties into a strategic partnership based upon our history of friendship and trust. An upgraded relationship will lead to mutual prosperity through increased cooperation.

Under Your Excellency’s outstanding leadership, the Philippines has registered annual economic growth of over 6 percent. As such, your country represents the future of ASEAN. I expect today’s summit will strengthen our friendship still more and contribute to Asia’s development through cooperation between the Philippines and Korea.

Thank you.