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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH joins global push for secure, stable maritime domain at UNGA

PH joins global push for secure, stable maritime domain at UNGA

Published Sep 25, 2025 10:40 am  |  Updated Sep 25, 2025 02:49 pm
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro co-hosts a Foreign Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York. (DFA Photo)
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro co-hosts a Foreign Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York. (DFA Photo)
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro co-headed the Foreign Ministerial Meeting on achieving a secure and stable domain to address shared maritime issues such as freedom of navigation and commerce.
“Amidst increasing illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions – especially those that risk the lives of seafarers, compromise the safety of vessels and aircraft, and impede the inherent rights of fisherfolk to fish – international cooperation, guided by international law, illuminates the way forward,” she said in her keynote address at the meeting.
The DFA chief highlighted how the principles of the United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) can “translate into renewed commitment and action towards international cooperation on maritime security and marine environment protection.”
“The oceans that connect our nations also commit us to a shared responsibility: keeping our seas peaceful, secure and stable, for the benefit of all. In pursuit of this, we are guided by the UNCLOS, the constitution of the ocean,” said Lazaro.
“We reaffirm our commitment to abide by its principles, preserve its integrity, and identify its various applications,” she added.
The meeting, dubbed “Reinforcing Cooperation to Achieve a Secure and Stable Maritime Domain”, was conducted on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, Sept. 24 (New York time).
Around 40 countries participated in the meeting, which was co-hosted by the Philippines with Australia, Estonia, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The meeting, the DFA said, acknowledged the current challenges faced by the global community in ensuring a secure and stable maritime domain.
“There was renewed commitment to multilateralism and the shared stewardship of the world’s oceans,” the agency added, pointing out the role that international law and cooperation across shared maritime issues must play for the protection of the marine environment.
These will also ensure freedom of navigation and commerce, facilitate global connectivity, and secure critical underwater infrastructure, the DFA furthered.

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DFA Ma. Theresa Lazaro UN General Assembly maritime domain
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