The President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol has congratulated presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on his win in this year’s historic elections.

In a letter addressed to Marcos dated May 15, Yoon said under Marcos’ leadership, the Philippines will “continue on its path of stability and prosperity.”

He said the Philippines has been Korea’s “long-standing partner with the longest history of diplomatic relations” among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and “also a key partner in Korea-Asean relations.”

He also took note of the Philippines’ historic participation in the Korean War in the 1950s.

“I look forward to close cooperation between our two new governments to further deepen our friendship and partnership,” Yoon said.

On Saturday, acting Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the canvassing of votes for the president and vice-presidential candidates will be completed once Congress resumes session on May 23.

Based on partial and unofficial results from the Comelec on Monday, Marcos retains his lead in the presidential election with 31,104,175 votes, with Leni Robredo trailing at 14,822,051 votes. (PNA)