Moon meets Duterte
President Moon and the Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte had a summit on June 4 at the Blue House and exchanged opinions on state affairs, society, culture, economy, trade, the Korean Peninsula and international cooperation. Moon praised the impressive achievements and advancement in politics, economy, culture and manpower exchanges between the two countries for the last 70 years and he and Mr. Duterte would work together to increase the level of the manpower exchange, in particular, on the occasion of the Korea-Philippine Exchange Year 2019, which also marks the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic ties. Moon hoped that the Korea’s New South Policy would make a contribution to the Philippine’s Vision 2040, the plan to turn the country to high income, better health system, strong middle class and trusted society. Duterte promised to do his best to protect the Koreans in the Philippines and Moon promised back to protect the Filipinos in Korea and to provide the necessary support. They praised the cooperation in infrastructure, energy and agriculture between the two countries and agreed to expand substantial cooperation in many fields in the years to come. Moon asked Duterte to give support for Korean companies building infrastructure in the Philippine and promised to provide support for the local manufacturing industry through technology share. They both welcomed the Korea’s raised EDCF fund for the Philippine to USD$1 billion and agreed to deepen the cooperation for transport, infra, energy, water, ICT and smart devices. The two leaders also decided to work together to tackle global issues such as climate change, environment, maritime safety and cyber security. After the summit, five MOUs were drawn up in relation to transport, trade, renewable energy, science and technology and infra. 

Moon receives Pompeo
President Moon received the United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the Blue House on June 14. Mr. Pompeo paid a visit in order to report Moon the results of the North Korea–United States summit held in Singapore on June 12. Moon praised the results that have removed the North’s threat of ballistic missiles, nuclear and war not only from the people of the South Korea, Japan and the US but the whole world. He said that it was a great historic achievement that the Korean Peninsula is to advance toward peace and common prosperity over the confrontation and war. Pompeo in response said that he was pleased to come to South Korea first after the summit which would not have been possible without Moon’s effort in successfully holding the Inter-Korean Summit first. He said that there were many things yet to be done but we could surely bring peace to the Korean Peninsula by closely working together.