Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan PCG, and Korea Coast Guard (KCG) Commissioner, General Kim Jong Uk, formalized the signing and exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Maritime Cooperation on 07 October 2024.

The event, held at the Malacañang Palace, was witnessed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during the latter’s state visit to the Philippines.

The MOU marked a significant step in deepening the strategic partnership between the PCG and KCG, promoting greater mutual understanding, trust, and collaboration. It aims to enhance the protection of shared maritime interests, ensuring safety, security, and order at sea while addressing pressing maritime challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.

Key areas of cooperation under the agreement included the fight against transnational maritime crimes such as piracy, armed robbery, trafficking, smuggling, and illegal migration.

It also emphasized strengthening search and rescue operations, responding to marine pollution incidents, and fostering human resource development through knowledge exchange and joint training programs.

The MOU underscored both Coast Guards’ commitment to advancing maritime safety, environmental protection, and operational readiness through collaborative efforts.

On 08 October 2024, following the successful signing of the MOU, the PCG hosted the 13th PCG-KCG Bilateral Meeting, further reinforcing the partnership.

Discussions focused on enhancing capacity-building initiatives, including joint training programs and the possibility of vessel acquisitions to boost operational capabilities.

Both sides also agreed to update Points of Contact, explore mutual assistance protocols, and work closely together to uphold maritime safety in the region.

The signing of the MOU and the subsequent bilateral meeting highlighted the strengthened cooperation between the PCG and KCG, reinforcing their shared commitment to safeguarding regional maritime security and stability.