South Korea and the Philippines agreed to elevate bilateral ties and bolster cooperation on diplomacy, security, economy and people-to-people exchanges during a foreign ministers’ meeting in Seoul on Wednesday. The countries will collaborate closely to swiftly ratify and implement their free trade agreement signed last September.

Seoul pledged to support Manila’s military modernization, rice production, infrastructure development and nuclear energy plans. The ministers also discussed regional issues, with Seoul voicing concern over North Korea’s provocations and seeking Philippine support to send a united message to Pyongyang. The nations vowed to work together on South Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy and ROK-ASEAN relations, including establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.