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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Diplomatic victory': Romualdez welcomes Germany's backing of Philippines' rights in West Philippine Sea 

'Diplomatic victory': Romualdez welcomes Germany's backing of Philippines' rights in West Philippine Sea 

Published Mar 13, 2024 08:26 am

At A Glance

  • Germany's affirmation of support for the Philippines in protecting its rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is a "diplomatic victory", says House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Screenshot_20240313-162136_Chrome.jpgFlag of Germany (Unsplash)

 

 

 

 

 



Germany's affirmation of support for the Philippines in protecting its rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is a "diplomatic victory", says House Speaker Martin Romualdez. 

“In the face of increasing aggressiveness by China, enlisting the support of like-minded allies, such as Germany, is of immense value to our national interest in the [WPS] as it adds more weight to our position that international law, not unilateral actions, should govern the conduct in the area,” said Romualdez.

“We must note that Germany’s support is not singular as it joins other countries that recognize UNCLOS as the binding norm in the [WPS]. As such, this diplomatic victory President Marcos clinched during his three-day working visit to Germany is invaluable to our nation and our people,” added the leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives. 

UNCLOS stands for United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

Romualdez noted that Germany’s statement of reaffirmation of support to the Philippines is backed by concrete actions as it has been providing training for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) since 1974, and continues to support the capacity-building of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The two countries have also signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Strengthening Cooperation in the Maritime Sector between the Philippines and Germany’s transport agencies.

Romualdez, Marcos' top ally in the Philippine legislature, is accompanying the president to Germany.

Related Tags

Germany Martin Romualdez West Philippine Sea
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