MANILA, Philippines — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a visit that is seen to further strengthen the two countries' defense, maritime and economic cooperation, Malacañang announced Friday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Lee would undertake a state visit to the Philippines from March 3 and 4 upon the invitation of Marcos. "The two leaders are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting to discuss various areas of cooperation between the two countries," Castro said during a press conference. "These include cooperation in defense, maritime, economic and development fields, as well as people-to-people ties," she added. Castros said Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos would welcome Lee and his first lady, Kim Hea Kyung, in Malacañang on March 3. "This is President Lee's first visit to the Philippines, and his first state visit after the Free Trade Agreement or FTA between the Philippines and the Republic of South Korea became effective on Dec. 31, 2024," she said.