A SOUTH Korean Coast Guard ship arrived in Manila yesterday morning for a port visit in connection with the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Korea and Philippines.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Capt. Armand Balilo said the South Korean Coast Guard training ship, Badaro, arrived at Pier 15 in South Harbor for a visit until Friday this week.
“The visit aims to strengthen the relationship and cooperation between Philippine Coast Guard and Korea Coast Guard. The friendly visit aims to nurture the bilateral relationship and partnership between the PCG and KCG,” Balilo said, adding the last time a Korean Coast Guard ship visited the country was last year.
“This is also in line with the commemoration this year of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Republic of Korea and intends to promote mutual exchange and support to further the longstanding ties between the two countries and the two coast guards,” said Balilo.
Balilo said the visit is led by Senior Supt. General Ko Myung Suk, President of the Korea Coast Guard Academy. Aboard the ship were 130 cadets of Korean Cost Guard Academy.
South Korea has been a partner of the Philippine military in the modernization of the Armed Forces, including the recent donation of the now BRP Condrado Yap – which the Navy said is its most-capable ship.
The defense and military establishment has also tapped South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries in the construction of two brand new frigates, worth P18 billion, and are due for delivery next year and the following year.
