Lithuania on Wednesday, April 24, joined the list of countries supporting the Philippines' fight for sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea on the basis of international law and arbitral award.
In his joint statement with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis expressed concern over challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including in the South China Sea.
Landsbergis, who met Manalo in Manila during his inaugural visit, also recognized the importance of an open, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific."
"The two countries regard the final and legally binding Award in the South China Sea Arbitration of 12 July 2016 as a significant contribution to international law, and the interpretation and application of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," their statement read.
The arbitral award recognizes the Philippines jurisdiction over the waters within 200 nautical miles from its shore, which China claims to be its own.
Lithuania is part of the European Union, which has been vocal for its support for the Philippines whenever its troops face aggression from China in the West Philippine Sea.
Landsbergis also discussed with his Filipino counterpart the importance of diversifying trade to ensure economic security as Lithuania, seeking to boost its ties with Indo-Pacific countries, already adopted its national Indo-Pacific strategy.
Aside from developments in the South China Sea, Landsbergis and Manalo tackled Russian aggression on Ukraine.
They said Russia’s move “undermined the foundations of the rules-based international order and the principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter” as it also has severe implications to global security.
“Both Ministers expressed concern about the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and reiterated United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-11/1, and expressed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” their statement read.
“Finally, Ministers Manalo and Landsbergis reiterated their commitment to foster a strong partnership and develop the full potential of Philippines-Lithuania relations,” it added.