The Department of National Defense (DND), in a statement over the weekend, said it is eyeing to further enhance its defense ties with South Korea (also known as the Republic of Korea or the ROK), which is one of the country’s biggest suppliers of military equipment in the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

This took place following the courtesy and introductory call of newly appointed South Korea Ambassador to the Philippines, Lee Sang-hwa, to DND Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on Aug. 17.

“The [DND] Secretary also recognized the opportunity to diversify defense cooperation with the ROK, which has been among the Philippines’ largest partners in terms of defense materiel and logistics,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in the same statement.

South Korea has supplied the 12 FA-50PH light jet fighters to the Philippine Air Force along with the two brand-new missile frigates for the Philippine Navy (PN).

It has also won the contract and is now building two more corvettes and six offshore patrol vessels for the PN.

“Noting the enduring friendship and cooperation between our two countries across various fields and concerns, Secretary Teodoro conveyed his deep appreciation for the ROK’s assistance to the Philippines in addressing issues such as internal security, natural calamities, and capacity-building,” Andolong said.

He also said the two officials discussed the anticipated state visit to the Philippines of ROK President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The DND spokesperson said the occasion will further reaffirm the commitment of the two countries in strengthening their long-standing relations and further explore ways of building shared opportunities.

“The high-level visit will take place in time for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Philippines-ROK diplomatic relations,” Andolong stressed. Both sides also noted the high influx of tourists and investors from the ROK, who seek to explore areas of Mindanao.

“Recalling the declaration of the Davao Region (Region 11) as ‘insurgency-free’, Secretary Teodoro shared with Ambassador Lee that he sought to further expand this status of a secure tourism and investment-ready destination across the whole of Mindanao,” Andolong said. (PNA)