Marcos: PH, South Korea must work in promoting rules-based order

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said Monday that the Philippines and South Korea should work together in promoting a rules-based international order that is governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

During his bilateral meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Marcos said it is time for the two countries to elevate their relations into a "strategic relationship." 

''This idea must be as concrete as the foundations from which our bilateral relationships stand. As the geopolitical environment is only becoming more complex, we must work together to achieve prosperity for our peoples and to promote a rules-based order governed by international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS and the binding 2016 Arbitral Award,'' Marcos said. 

He said the Philippines and South Korea have a robust partnership in various areas of cooperation, including defense and security, maritime cooperation, trade, development, and people-to-people exchanges. 

''From here, there is nowhere else to go but up,'' the Philippine President said. 

To recall, South Korea had expressed concern over the dangerous actions of Chinese forces in the South China Sea. 

Marcos thanked Yoon for accepting his invitation to visit the Philippines, which coincides with the two countries' 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. 

''So, I look forward that your visit will bring a very meaningful meeting between our two countries, not only on the political level but on the levels of the other sectors such as trade, defense and security, and whatever else you and I will be able to identify as areas we should explore,'' he said.

For his part, Yoon said elevating South Korea's ties with the Philippines to a strategic partnership would bring their cooperation to a higher level. 

Yoon is hoping that this will widen the scope of partnership in security, digital technology, and energy. 

Yoon also expressed gratitude to Marcos for warmly welcoming him and his entire delegation.  —AOL/KBK, GMA Integrated News