MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine and South Korean governments are set to sign memoranda of understanding (MOU) on education cooperation, social security, cooperation on fisheries, and tourism implementation, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man said Tuesday.
Speaking at “The Virtual Presser” hosted by Presidential Communications Operations Office Global Media Affairs, Han said the deals would be signed when President Rodrigo Duterte visits Busan to take part in the 2019 Asean-Korea Commemorative Summit later this month.
Han added that Duterte and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will also discuss other issues “affecting our bilateral relationships” including “how to increase trade volume” and the negotiations for the Free-Trade Agreement (FTA).
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez reportedly said that while negotiations for an FTA are still ongoing, the deal may no longer be possible to be signed next month if some issues remained unsettled.
In the FTA talks, the South Korean diplomat noted that both parties are still looking for a “balance of interest” that would be beneficial for both countries.
FTA discussions between the two countries started in June this year, with the Philippines seeking for higher agricultural exports, and some industrial products, to South Korea.