In order to target scam operations and other cross-border offenses, President Bongbong Marcos and South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung vowed to strengthen their regional cooperation against transnational crimes during their meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea.
Both leaders stressed the need for coordinated efforts to battle against criminal networks that threaten peace and economic stability, including transnational crimes, such as scam operations, and other cross-border offenses.
South Korean President Lee Myung Jae thanked Marcos for the establishment of the “Korean Help Desk” within the Philippine National Police (PNP), involving South Korean nationals, citing it as an example of boosting law enforcement cooperation.
“For a long time, South Korea and the Philippines have supported and cooperated with one another as friendly nations,” recalling the PH’s aid to South Korea during the Korean War.
Meanwhile, President Marcos reaffirmed the country's commitment to further fortifying its strategic relationship with South Korea, especially in fields such as defense, infrastructure, and shipbuilding.
“I believe that these continuing exchanges are much improved by the people-to-people relationship at every level,” he said, adding that such partnerships contribute to long-term stability.
The South Korean leader expressed its willingness to accept Marcos’ invite to go to the Philippines and will travel at the earliest time possible.
The two leaders marked the first anniversary of the Philippines-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has significantly boosted bilateral economic activity.
They also vowed to ensure the smooth operation of South Korean companies operating in the Philippines.
Marcos stressed the Philippines’ chairship of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year as an opportunity to promote regional peace and rules based on international order.
Lee, on the other hand, said he would continue pursuing a “peaceful co-existence” on the entire Korean Peninsula.
via Adrian Jay Lagsic
