South Korea and the Philippines, each faced by increasingly hostile rival nations, have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership, including broader defense and security cooperation between the two U.

MANILA (Reuters) -South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr agreed on Monday to boost defence cooperation as their countries elevated ties to a strategic partnership amid growing security challenges in the region.

Korea and the Philippines upgraded their diplomatic relations to a "strategic partnership," marking 75 years of bilateral ties during President Yoon Suk Yeol's state visit to the Southeast Asian nation on Monday.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said on Monday his country and South Korea have upgraded bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, as he met visiting counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol for talks. The two leaders discussed various issues including the South China Sea and situation on the Korean peninsula,

President Yoon Suk Yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed Monday to forge a strategic partnership between the two countries to enhance cooperation in security, economy, energy and other areas,

The nations’ leaders committed to deepening maritime cooperation on Monday, as they upgraded relations and agreed to closer coastguard ties.

The Philippines and South Korea signed a maritime cooperation agreement on Monday to protect their interests and to preserve order and safety in the seas of the Asia-Pacific.