To gauge the direction of cooperation between Korea and the world, Korea.net is running a series of interviews with ambassadors to Korea. This interview features Philippine Ambassador to Korea Noe A. Wong, who discusses the close partnership between the two countries on the occasion of 2019 being both the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties and the 30th anniversary of the dialogue relationship between Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

By Kim Minji
Photos = Jeon Han
Videos = Kim Sunjoo and Choi Tae-soon

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Noe A. Wong says people-to-people exchanges are the most important factor in his assessment of the 70 years of bilateral ties between both countries.

He also stressed how his government strives to foster sustainable and safe tourism spots for more exchanges. For example, he talked about Boracay, one of the Philippines' most popular tourist spots that was reopened in October last year after being shut down for six months to clean up the island. Despite fears of a reduced number of tourists in the wake of the closure, Boracay has instead maintained its status as the archipelago's top tourism destination.

With an upcoming special summit from Nov. 25-26 between Korea and ASEAN in Busan to mark 30 years of dialogue relations, Korea.net sat down with the ambassador on July 23 to learn more about Seoul's longstanding ties with both Manila and ASEAN.

The following are excerpts from the interview.



- How would you assess relations between Korea and the Philippines?

The Philippines was the fifth country worldwide -- and the first in ASEAN -- to recognize the Republic of Korea when both nations established diplomatic relations on March 3, 1949. These ties were fortified by friendship and valor when the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) were deployed during the Korean War in the 1950s.

I consider strong people-to-people exchanges one of the most meaningful and moving anchors of Philippine relations with Korea. Korea remains the Philippines' top tourism market with 1,624,251 tourist arrivals in 2018.

The Philippine government endeavors to make our tourism destinations sustainable and secure. Though Boracay is our No. 1 tourism spot, we closed it for six months to preserve the island. It was reopened in October last year and is way different from the way it was.

- What are must-attend events marking the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties?

Our embassy is planning to highlight the significance of 70 years of the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Korea through events that will further enhance mutual understanding between its peoples. We will host a diplomatic reception, a film festival, a Filipino-language speech contest for youth and a promotional food event, among other projects.

Another must-attend event is the PH-ROK Bayanihan (Friendship) Parade to feature Filipino-Korean sectoral groups showcasing Filipino-Korean street dance festivals. This will be the highlight of the Itaewon Global Village Parade program on Oct. 12.

The embassy will provide updates on these planned events and more to mark this diplomatic milestone.

- What agenda items do the Philippines hope are discussed at the special summit between Korea and ASEAN?

Basically, I think (the summit) will be an assessment of the New Southern Policy declared by President Moon Jae-in in November 2017. We hope that the summit is an invaluable opportunity to assess the Moon administration's accomplishments over the past two years in promoting and implementing this policy manifesto as well as discuss the way forward, including concrete strategies underlying this new foreign policy initiative.

Bilaterally, we hope to capitalize on President Moon's New Southern Policy and elevate our bilateral ties with Korea through the negotiation and signing of important bilateral accords such as a free trade agreement.

In a meeting with ambassadors from the 10 ASEAN member countries, Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don said a subject we'd like on the summit agenda is the establishment of an ASEAN village for information and communications technology.

- How do you see the overall development of the peace process on the Korean Peninsula?

The peace and security of Northeast and Southeast Asia are increasingly intertwined. Whatever happens (in one area) can affect the entire region. So any negative or positive thing that conspires there will be considered either a threat or something affecting regional stability not only in Southeast Asia but Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula.

That's why we always support the peace process between the two Koreas. We always support the international community's support for the denuclearization of North Korea.

kimmj7725@korea.kr