Philippines, S. Korea Sign 6 Agreements to Forge Strategic Partnership

The Philippines and South Korea signed Monday six new agreements to forge strategic partnership between the two countries to enhance cooperation in security, economy, energy and other areas. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attended the signing ceremony of the new agreements in Malacanang, and agreed to elevate the bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. During their meeting, the two leaders discussed a range of issues, including defense and security cooperation, maritime security, economic and development cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides also signed an agreement for a feasibility study on the long-dormant Bataan nuclear power plant to inspect whether it is safe to operate. The plant was completed in 1986 but was never activated on safety concerns in light of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster that occurred that year. Later in the day, the two leaders are scheduled to participate in a business forum aimed at exploring new area s of economic cooperation. Source: Qatar News Agency