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Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
February 28, 2026 | 12:00am
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos will meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Manila next week, where they are expected to tackle deeper cooperation in key areas, including defense, maritime and economy.
Lee’s state visit to the Philippines is on March 3 to 4 upon the invitation of Marcos, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro announced at a press briefing yesterday.
The President and First Lady Liza Marcos will officially welcome Lee and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung at Malacañang.
This is Lee’s first visit to the country since the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries took effect on Dec. 31, 2024.
The visit coincides with the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea in March 1949.
“During the visit, the two leaders are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting to discuss cooperation in defense, maritime cooperation, economic and development collaboration and people-to-people ties,” Castro said.
The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues and reaffirm the vibrant and dynamic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, Castro said.
Both leaders likewise reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations during a telephone conversation on Aug. 14 last year.
The House of Representatives welcomed Lee’s forthcoming state visit, which Speaker Faustino Dy III said underscores the enduring friendship of both nations for peace, prosperity and regional stability.
Dy said the visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across political, economic, defense and people-to-people ties, especially as the Philippines serves as ASEAN chair in 2026.
“The Philippines values its strategic partnership with the Republic of Korea. Our relationship has been built over decades – through shared sacrifice, growing trade, strong defense cooperation and deep people-to-people ties,” Dy said in a joint statement with Pangasinan 3rd district Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas. — Jose Rodel Clapano
