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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH, EU step up Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation

PH, EU step up Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation

Published Jul 4, 2023 06:25 am
The Philippines and the European Union have agreed to establish a subcommittee on maritime cooperation as the two sides expressed concern on unilateral actions endangering peace in the Indo-Pacific region. Manila and the 27-member regional bloc came up with the move as government representatives of both sides recently convened in Brussels, Belgium for the third Joint Committee Meeting, where they reviewed ongoing bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. Amid China's aggression in the South China Sea and its incursions into waters it unilaterally claims it owns, the Philippines and the EU were wary over activities threatening peace, security and stability, and the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific. During their discussions on maritime security, they underscored their commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and the importance of respecting the sovereign rights of states within their exclusive economic zones consistent with international law, citing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Arbitration Ruling. Hence, they "agreed to strengthen cooperation on maritime matters by establishing a Philippines-EU Subcommittee on Maritime Cooperation," their joint statement read. Meanwhile, the Philippines and EU also shared concern on Russian aggression against Ukraine. They pushed for the need to find peaceful solutions to conflicts while respecting principles of international law and the UN Charter. Reiterating their condemnation of the Russian activities, they called again for an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian military forces and military equipment from Ukrainian territories and appealed to respect international humanitarian law by ensuring safe and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance. "The Philippines and the EU agreed to continue to work together closely and stand up for the rules-based international order, the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-aggression, as well as for a just peace based on respect for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as protected by the UN Charter," their joint statement added.

Related Tags

Maritime security UNCLOS European Union Philippines
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