PH Ambassador to South Korea Noe A. Wong presented his credentials to ROK President Moon Jae-in on 21 August 2019 at the Main Hall of Cheong Wa Dae (Presidential Blue House). He was accompanied by his spouse, Mme. Elena Wong, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Ella Karina Mitra, and Defense Attache Capt. Armil Angeles.

The ceremony was followed by a private meeting with President Moon. During their conversation, President Moon congratulated Amb. Wong for starting his assignment this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and the Philippines, and said that he looks forward to "Further development of our relations in all areas during your term in Korea."

President Moon also said that he is "Pleased to have had in-depth and meaningful talks with PH President Rodrigo Duterte during his visit to Korea in June last year, on the direction of the development of bilateral relations between the two countries. I hope to see him again at the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit in November this year." The President further expressed hope that the PH-ROK FTA, which is currently under negotiation, will be concluded soon and will be ready for signing during the Commemorative Summit.

President Moon also mentioned the strong development of bilateral ties, expressing hope that the relations between Philippines and Korea be elevated to a strategic level. He cited the strong people-to-people exchanges between Philippines and Korea and referred to the number of visitors to and from the two countries exceeding 2 million last year. "Commemorating this year as the year of mutual exchanges between Korea and the Philippines, I hope the people of the two nations will further enhance our understanding and friendship," he said. END