Spokesperson’s Statement on the Election of the Philippines’ 15th President

The Government of the Republic of Korea extends its congratulations on the formal election of Senator Benigno Aquino III of the Liberal Party as the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines on June 9.  The Republic of Korea and the Republic of the Philippines, which was the first ASEAN member state to establish diplomatic relations with Korea and fought alongside Korea in the Korean War, share democracy and market economy, and have seen their relations steadily progress in economy and trade, people-to-people and cultural exchange, and various other fields since the forging of diplomatic ties.  The Government of the Republic of Korea hopes to further develop the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries along with the new Philippine government, scheduled to inaugurate on June 30.