03 July 2023, Seoul. The Philippines participated in the annual Diplomatic Panel of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy on 30 June 2023. The diplomatic panel is designed to introduce incoming Korean foreign service officers to members of different diplomatic missions in the Republic of Korea in order to help them learn more about country-specific relations and the international community.

Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario shared that the enduring and dynamic nature of PH-ROK relations is an example of both countries’ modern and mature foreign policies. Forged by standing shoulder-to-shoulder during the 1950s Korean War, cooperation between the Philippines and Korea in the political, defense, economic, and socio-cultural spheres continue to evolve and expand based on the pressing needs of the times.

The Philippines also highlighted its active bilateral consultative mechanisms across all spheres, including the newly-established PH-ROK maritime cooperation dialogue in 2022, the first of its kind between Korea and ASEAN, and the commitment of both sides to elevate relations to a Strategic Partnership as an example of modern forms of cooperation.

Members of the diplomatic panel were also asked to share their personal stories as diplomats, lessons learned from their career, and share useful and practical advice on how to become effective foreign service officers.

The event was attended by thirty-eight (38) Diplomatic Candidates of the KNDA. The Philippines was joined by the diplomats from the Embassies of Australia, Brazil, and Mexico. END