Philippines, South Korea leaders pledge closer cooperation as geopolitical uncertainty mounts

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Manila on Tuesday, where they discussed ways to deepen economic and security ties.

Lee was in Manila on a state visit.

* Marcos said both sides "recognise growing uncertainty ingeopolitical developments," and agreed on the need to uphold arules‑based international order, including in the maritimedomain. * The Philippines and South Korea agreed to expandcooperation in shipbuilding, nuclear energy and artificialintelligence. * Lee said the two countries will also cooperate ininfrastructure and defence industries. * Lee added that South Korea and the Philippines plan towork together on critical minerals and supply chains. * The two leaders also discussed the situation in the MiddleEast during their talks. * South Korean companies will help the modernisation of thePhilippine military, Lee said * The countries signed MOUs in various sectors, includingdigital technology, procurement of specific defence equipment,agriculture, intellectual property, foreign language education,culture, and police investigations.