Philippine envoy calls Korea a 'steadfast partner' at independence event

Dignitaries from Korea and the Philippines celebrated the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries at Lotte Hotel in central Seoul Tuesday evening.

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega, center, poses for a commemorative photo with Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun, third from left, and other dignitaries at a reception celebrating the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence and 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines at Lotte Hotel in central Seoul Tuesday evening. [SARAH KIM]

Philippine Ambassador to Seoul Theresa Dizon-De Vega called Korea a "steadfast partner" in a reception Tuesday marking the independence day of the Southeast Asian country.

Hundreds of dignitaries attended the reception celebrating the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines at Lotte Hotel in central Seoul.

"As we continue on the path towards lasting peace and sustainable development, Korea remains a steadfast partner through more than seven decades," Dizon-De Vega said, as she highlighted the milestones in bilateral relations through governmental, economic and people-to-people exchanges, as well as their shared visions and goals.

"We are optimizing opportunities for greater synergies with Korea's Indo-Pacific strategy, the Korea-Asean Solidarity Initiative, our participation in RCEP and IPEF, and within the framework of the Asean-Korea dialogue partnership now on its 35th year."

She referred to Korea's key policies toward Southeast Asia, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a free trade agreement among Asia-Pacific countries involving both countries, and the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity.

Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun in his congratulatory remarks said that building on the two countries' achievements, "We look forward to elevating our relations to a strategic partnership, as our two leaders committed to during their last summit."

He added that the "upgrading of our bilateral and multilateral relations will create a great synergy at this opportune juncture."

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega, center, poses for a commemorative photo with members of the diplomatic corps at a reception celebrating the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence and 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines at Lotte Hotel in central Seoul Tuesday evening. [SARAH KIM]

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]