Manila, March 3 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Malacanang for a two-day state visit aimed at deepening cooperation in defense, maritime security and economic relations.

Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos accorded arrival honors to Lee at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacanan Palace. The South Korean leader was accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea Kyung.

This marks the first state visit by a South Korean president to the Philippines since the Philippines-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) took effect on Dec. 31, 2024.

Following the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds, Lee signed the Palace guestbook before proceeding to a bilateral meeting with Marcos.

The two lea...