The Senate leadership reaffirmed Tuesday that the relationship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea is highly valued, built on trust and friendship forged at a defining moment in Korea’s history.

“Our strong relations encompass development initiatives, humanitarian assistance to help recover from natural calamities, and defense and security cooperation that is clearly evident in the Philippines today,” Senate President Vicente Sotto III said.

The Senate leader made the statement as he welcomed delegates of the Korea–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group led by Kim Sung Won during a courtesy call at the Senate.

They discussed coordination on visa and labor concerns affecting Filipino workers in Korea, as well as prospects for business engagement and stronger parliamentary ties.

Sotto, together with Senators Panfilo Lacson and Sherwin Gatchalian, also received delegates Park Min-kyu and Hwang Kang-woo.

Gatchalian was designated as the Philippine counterpart of the Parliamentary Friendship Group and will work closely with his Korean counterparts to further strengthen cooperation between the two legislatures.

Members of the Philippine parliamentary association also include Senators Bam Aquino, Pia Cayetano, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Risa Hontiveros, Manuel “Lito” Lapid, Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos, Erwin Tulfo, Raffy Tulfo, Joel Villanueva and Juan Miguel Zubiri. (PNA)