The Government of South Korea recently donated US $300,000 to victims of typhoon Frank through the Korean Embassy in Manila. Ambassador Hong Jong-ki turned over the cheque to Acting Foreign Secretary Enrique A Manalo during a ceremony held at the Department of Foreign Affairs on 1 July 2008.

In conveying the condolences of the government and the people of South Korea, Ambassador Hong said, “May this amount help in responding to the immediate needs of the typhoon Frank's victims and for the rehabilitation efforts of the Philippine Government for all affected areas.”
In response, Acting Secretary Manalo said, “It is always encouraging to find our friends near during the most trying times. The Philippines and the Republic of Korea have never wavered in our firm commitment to stand side-by-side through the last six decades. We resolutely joined hands during the Korean War and have since transformed that to a productive partnership for addressing the global challenges of today.”

“The gesture that we witness today is no different. It affirms the spirit of amity and fraternity that endures between our two countries. It is a closeness that has served us well in spurring successful collaboration after successful collaboration in many areas of our bilateral partnership,” he added.