South Korea starts building ship for Philippine Navy

MANILA, Philippines — South Korea is ready to partner with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for its modernization, and a shipyard in that country has started building the Philippine Navy’s first Corvette.

Philippine Navy chief Toribio Adaci Jr. visited the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan City for the keel-laying ceremony of Navy Corvette No. 1 and the steel cutting for Navy Corvette No. 2, the Philippine embassy in Seoul reported yesterday.

The ceremony formally marks the beginning of the shipbuilding process.

In Manila, South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa said his government is trying to take on a stronger role and responsibility in upholding and enhancing a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Under the Indo-Pacific strategy, South Korea gives priority to fostering close partnership with its friends, including the Philippines, that share core values – freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

“In this regard, we believe that for the modernization of the Philippine Armed Forces, there is no other friend who has more experience and track record for cooperation in this area. Korea is the most well-prepared and ready partner,” Lee said during a lunch meeting with the Philippine media last Tuesday at the ambassador’s official residence.

Senior officials and dignitaries from both sides attended the event in Ulsan City, which the embassy said  demonstrates the strong defense modernization partnership of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.

During the recent visit, Adaci conveyed the Philippine Navy’s strong expectations and determination for the successful completion of the Corvette Acquisition Program with the Republic of Korea.

Adaci called on Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega to relay the outcome of the ceremonies and his meetings with Korean counterparts on common maritime interests and strengthening mutual cooperation.

Dizon-De Vega emphasized the importance of continued active exchanges between the Philippine and Korean navies for Philippine defense modernization.

With the bilateral relations between the two countries reaching new heights, more high-level visits are expected and hope to elevate