SEOUL, South Korea, (PNA) — South Korean President Park Geun-hye cited President Benigno S. Aquino III for expanding “the fabric of trust and shared understanding about our journey” toward a new future for the development of both the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.
“The special bonds that President Aquino has long had with Korea indeed have helped to bridge our hearts through trust and confidence,” President Park said as she offered a toast during the State Dinner.
President Park made mention of the President’s late father, former Senator Benigno Aquino, a war correspondent for The Manila Times during the Korean war.
“Senator Aquino, who in those days had actually been 17 years of age, reported that he was 18 years old as a war correspondent who roamed the fields of battle together with some 7,400 Filipino troops who were sent to Korea. And through his writings that would later become history, let the world know how the war was unfolding,” she said.
“As I see it, that sacrifice and dedication have been passed down to the new generation paving the way to a precious meeting today. May the events today mark the beginning of deeper ties of friendship between our countries and a happier future awaiting both our peoples,” President Park stressed.
Despite the standing state of the global economy, President Park noted that the Philippines has grown by 6.6 percent last year and 7.6 percent in the first half of this year.
She added that the “world is carefully eyeing the Philippines both as a promising investment destination and a trade partner. Across the whole range of areas, the Philippines and Korea has now become the partners for prosperity.”
During her speech, President Park said that Filipinos today share similar emotional experiences with their Korean counterparts through the Korean novela, through K-Pop, through Korean food.
“Over one million Korean tourists traveled to the Philippines being enchanted not only by the beauties of your nature but also by the warmth of your people,” President Park said.
She introduced Korea’s first ever National Assembly member of multicultural background — Assemblywoman Jasmine Lee to the delight of everyone present in the State Dinner.
President Park expressed confidence that Assemblywoman Lee played a vital role in connecting the Republic of Korea and the Philippines adding that with her great contribution, she will take our relationship even further.