President Yoon Suk-yeol of South Korea is set to embark on a state visit to Singapore and the Philippines from March 1 to 4, where he will hold bilateral talks with the leaders of both countries focusing on key areas of economic cooperation, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and nuclear power. This visit is marked by discussions with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, as well as Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during a period that also celebrates the 77th anniversary of diplomatic ties with the Philippines.

In Singapore, Yoon will participate in a summit dedicated to fostering collaboration in AI, indicative of both countries' commitment to developing innovative technologies. The close ties between South Korea and Singapore, established as strategic partners following their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year, are expected to strengthen through enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, and infrastructure alongside new ventures in AI and nuclear energy.

The Philippines, being the first Southeast Asian nation to establish diplomatic relations with South Korea, has a notable history of military cooperation during the Korean War. Yoon's visit aims to deepen practical cooperation in various sectors including defense, infrastructure, and trade, while solidifying partnerships in emerging sectors like nuclear power and essential minerals. Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung emphasized that the successful outcomes of this visit are anticipated to translate into tangible benefits for citizens of both countries, reinforcing the strategic partnership envisioned at last year’s Korea-ASEAN summit.