Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. received outgoing Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa in a farewell call at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo on Monday, July 6, marking the end of the envoy’s diplomatic tour in Manila.
The Department of National Defense said Lee played a key role in advancing Philippines-South Korea relations into a strategic partnership, marked by stronger cooperation in defense, infrastructure, technology, and military modernization.
During the meeting, Teodoro thanked Lee for helping deepen bilateral defense ties, facilitate major infrastructure initiatives, secure technology grants, and support the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The DND said several key defense milestones were achieved during Lee’s tenure, including the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and Amendment No. 2 to the Implementing Arrangement on the Procurement of Certain Defense Materials.
The agreements were signed during the visit of Republic of Korea President Lee Jae-myung to the Philippines in March 2026.
The department also cited the arrival of the Philippine Navy’s newest guided missile frigate, BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), in April 2025 as a major development in maritime defense cooperation between the two countries. The event was attended by both Teodoro and Lee.
Teodoro and Lee also reaffirmed the need to sustain momentum in bilateral defense relations, with discussions focused on further opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the development of a defense industry.
As a gesture of appreciation, Teodoro presented Lee with a plaque recognizing his dedication and efforts to strengthen relations between the Philippines and South Korea.