August 24, 1972

JOINT COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PHILIPPINE SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Reference: This Joint Communique is also published in XI DFA TS No. 1, p. 104

1. At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines His Excellency Yong Shik Kim, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, made an official visit to the Republic of the Philippines from 22 to 24 August 1972.

2. During his visit, the Korean Foreign Minister paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Ferdinand E. Marcos, President of the Philippines who deco- rated him with the Ancient Order of Sikatuna, rank of Datu, in recognition of his efforts to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two nations and his work in promoting international relations. The Foreign Minister had useful talks in a friendly and cordial atmosphere with the Honorable Carlos P. Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, and other high-ranking officials of the Philippine Government on matters of common interest. The Foreign Minister called on the Vice-president of the Philippines, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives .

3. The Foreign Minister expressed his admiration for the remarkable economic progress and political stability which the people of the Philippines have achieved under the able leadership of His Excellency President Marcos.

The Secretary of Foreign Affairs, on the other hand, paid tribute to the rapid economic and social development attained by the Korean people under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency President Park Chung Hee.

4. The Foreign Minister expressed, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Korea, his sympathy for the Filipino people over the heavy losses of human Jives and properties caused by the recent floods and typhoons in the Central Luzon and Greater Manila area.

The Secretary of Foreign Affairs, in turn, extended also the sympathy of the Government and people of the Philippines for the loss of life and property wrought by. the torrential rains in the central part of Korea.

Each expressed his confident hope for the speedy recovery and rehabilitation of the damages suffered therefrom.

5. The Foreign Minister and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs reviewed the current situation in Asia and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and common concern of their two countries. The two Foreign Ministers agreed that closer consultations should be held between the two Governments to cope with the fast-changing international situation.

6. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs reiterated his appreciation for the successful completion of the Seventh Ministerial Meeting of the Asian and Pacific Council hosted by the Korean Government in Seoul last June. The Ministers reviewed the proceedings of that Meeting and discussed ways and means of implementing the conclusions arrived thereat. They agreed to exert concerted efforts to further strengthen the ASPAC and where the mutual interest of the members is served, they suggested cooperative efforts between ASPAC and ASEAN.

7. The two Foreign Ministers exchanged views on the current situation in the Korean Peninsula in general and the south-north Joint Communique issued on 4 July 1972, in particular. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs appreciated the consistent efforts and initiatives taken by the Government of the Republic of Korea to reduce tension on the Korean Peninsula and hoped that the endeavors towards achieving relaxation of tension between the south and the north would reach successful conclusion.

8. The efforts of President Marcos to have regional cooperation for the typhoon moderation project were commended and subscribed to by the Foreign Minister.

9. The two Foreign Ministers agreed that their countries should further increase cooperation in the field of trade promotion and economic cooperation. In this regard, they agreed that the Joint Committee on Trade organized in 1961 and which met regularly until 1967 should meet frequently hereafter for the effective implementation of the Korea-Philippine Trade Agreement and the Agreed Minutes thereof.

10. The continued cooperation of the intelligence units of both governments was also discussed by the two Ministers.

11. The two Foreign Ministers recognized the need for further increasing exchange of people and cooperation between the two countries in the cultural, scientific and technical fields.

12. The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea expressed deep appreciation of the Government and people of the Philippines for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his party during his visit to the Philippines and extended the invitation of his Government for the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to make a reciprocal official visit to Korea.

Source: Supreme Court e-Library