1. Kim Hwang-sik, Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, in his capacity as President Lee Myung-
bak’s congratulatory envoy, attended the inauguration ceremony for the Philippines’ 15th President on 
June 30. On July 1, he paid a courtesy call on new President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III and 
delivered President Lee Myung-bak’s message conveying congratulations on his inauguration and 
anticipation for strengthened substantive cooperation between Korea and the Philippines.

2. During the courtesy call, special envoy Kim voiced hope that substantive partnership, which the two 
long-standing friends, Korea and the Philippines, have built over the last 60 years, will be further bolstered 
under the Aquino presidency. He also asked the Philippines to continue support regarding the Cheonan 
incident and the overall situation on the Korean peninsula.

3. After expressing strong support for President Aquino’s will to achieve economic growth through public-
sector reform and eradication of corruption, which he underscored at his inaugural ceremony, presidential 
envoy Kim delivered the Korean government’s intention to contribute to the economic development of the 
Philippines via boosted investment in the country and various forms of development cooperation.

4. Extending gratitude to the Korean government for sending the congratulatory envoy, President Aquino 
expected an increase in cooperation in a wide range of fields with Korea, one of the Philippines’ traditional 
allies and major trade and investment partners.

5. Special envoy Kim visited the National Cemetery to lay flowers at the Korean War Monument, and, on 
behalf of the Korean government, offered appreciation to the Philippine Korean-War veterans, who joined 
him on the occasion.

                        Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

* unofficial translation