South Korea supports Philippines ASEAN hostingExecutive Secretary Ralph G. Recto met with His Excellency Lee Sang-Hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, on February 16, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — South Korea has expressed support for the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit this year and its desire to boost ties with the region, a key global economic player and investment destination. Strengthening relations and expanding investments were discussed during a meeting between South Korea Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto last Monday, Malacañang said yesterday. “Ambassador Lee also conveyed strong support for the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN meetings this year, noting South Korea’s keen interest in building stronger relations with the region,” the statement read. During the Korean War, the Philippines sent an expeditionary force to Korea to help South Korea defend itself from invading forces from the North.

Source: Philippine Star February 17, 2026 16:33 UTC