Manila: The Philippines and South Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new opportunities for investment and economic cooperation. The commitment was made during Executive Secretary Ralph Recto's meeting with South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) released a statement on Tuesday detailing the discussions between the two nations. The meeting focused on plans to further deepen bilateral ties and explore opportunities to improve the ease of doing business, while also attracting more Korean investments into the Philippines.

The OES emphasized that Executive Secretary Recto assured the Ambassador that the government is proactively addressing investor concerns to make the Philippines a more competitive and secure investment destination. Ambassador Lee also expressed South Korea's support for the Philippines' hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' meetings this year, highlighting Seoul's keen interest in building stronger relations with the region.

This meeting took place as both nations prepare to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in March. Diplomatic relations between the two countries began on March 3, 1949, when the Philippines became the fifth country to recognize the Republic of Korea, which was inaugurated on August 15, 1948.

The meeting was attended by several Philippine officials, including OES Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Maria Luwalhati Dorotan Tiuseco, Undersecretaries Erwin Sta. Ana and Facundo Palafox IV, and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Executive Director, Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda Jr.