The Philippines has welcomed the United Kingdom and Mauritius' joint effort to settle their dispute on Chagos Archipelago in a peaceful manner, the way Manila has always wanted to address the South China Sea issue.
Last week, the UK announced that it is handing over its sovereignty over the archipelago located in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius following years of negotiations.
London and Port Louis' dispute had been the subject of debates of the International Court of Justice, which eventually issued an advisory opinion at the request of the United Nations General Assembly.
"We therefore laud both the governments of Mauritius and the UK for their commitment to the peaceful, diplomatic and international law-based settlement of this dispute," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.
"We laud the full support and assistance of the governments of India and the US in reaching this settlement. And we also highlight the initiatives of the UN, and the positive contributions of the international courts and tribunals towards the clarification of international law for the guidance of the parties," it added.
The Philippines said that the development between the two countries reaffirmed the value of upholding international law and maintaining the rules-based international order.
The Philippines said it serves as the stabilizing global foundation enabling peace and prosperity for all.
"Indeed, international law provides the framework under which relations between states are conducted in good faith and friendly cooperation, and disputes are resolved through peaceful means," it said.
The Philippines asserted that in settling differences, intimidation, coercion or aggression must not be condoned or tolerated.
"It is in this context that the Philippines is committed to continue calling for the full and faithful compliance with the 2016 South China Sea arbitration award issued under United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS)," it said.
"We associate ourselves with other countries in welcoming the historic efforts of Mauritius and the UK in line with international law. We are hopeful that the parties concerned will honor their agreement," it added.