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Advocates Philippines
Philippines And EU Strengthen Maritime Cooperation
Photo credit: DFA
In a significant milestone for Philippines-European Union relations, the inaugural Sub-Committee on Maritime Cooperation convened in Brussels on September 27, 2023.
This momentous gathering marked a renewed commitment by both parties to enhance bilateral maritime collaboration while reinforcing their engagement in multilateral and regional forums, particularly within the ASEAN framework.
The Philippine Delegation, led by Hon. Maria Angela A. Ponce, Assistant Secretary of the Maritime and Oceans Affairs Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the EU Delegation, led by Ms. Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the EEAS, were joined by representatives from the European Commission, EU Member States, and various Philippine government agencies.
During the proceedings, the Philippines and the European Union emphasized the paramount importance of upholding the sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of states, as well as their maritime entitlements in accordance with international law, notably the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its dispute settlement mechanisms.
They also reaffirmed the binding nature of the Arbitration Award issued under UNCLOS on July 12, 2016. Furthermore, both parties underscored their dedication to the principles of freedom of navigation, innocent passage, and overflight in the South China Sea, in full compliance with UNCLOS.
A joint commitment to preserving the rules-based international order and upholding the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-aggression, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter, was a central theme of the discussions.
Expressing shared concern, the Philippines and the EU raised alarms over unilateral actions that jeopardize regional peace, security, and stability, along with the rules-based international order.
They cited recent incidents within the Philippine exclusive economic zone, highlighting activities that damage the seabed and marine environment, disrupt the livelihoods of fishing communities, and undermine the Philippines' food security.
The two parties stressed the importance of non-militarization and restraint in all activities by claimants and other states, echoing the principles outlined in the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
They called for parties to refrain from threats or the use of force and to avoid actions that could escalate tensions. The resolution of disputes through peaceful means, as stipulated in international law and UNCLOS, including its dispute settlement mechanisms, was emphasized.
The next Subcommittee meeting is scheduled to take place in Manila in 2024.
This momentous gathering marked a renewed commitment by both parties to enhance bilateral maritime collaboration while reinforcing their engagement in multilateral and regional forums, particularly within the ASEAN framework.
The Philippine Delegation, led by Hon. Maria Angela A. Ponce, Assistant Secretary of the Maritime and Oceans Affairs Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the EU Delegation, led by Ms. Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the EEAS, were joined by representatives from the European Commission, EU Member States, and various Philippine government agencies.
During the proceedings, the Philippines and the European Union emphasized the paramount importance of upholding the sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of states, as well as their maritime entitlements in accordance with international law, notably the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its dispute settlement mechanisms.
They also reaffirmed the binding nature of the Arbitration Award issued under UNCLOS on July 12, 2016. Furthermore, both parties underscored their dedication to the principles of freedom of navigation, innocent passage, and overflight in the South China Sea, in full compliance with UNCLOS.
A joint commitment to preserving the rules-based international order and upholding the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-aggression, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter, was a central theme of the discussions.
Expressing shared concern, the Philippines and the EU raised alarms over unilateral actions that jeopardize regional peace, security, and stability, along with the rules-based international order.
They cited recent incidents within the Philippine exclusive economic zone, highlighting activities that damage the seabed and marine environment, disrupt the livelihoods of fishing communities, and undermine the Philippines' food security.
The two parties stressed the importance of non-militarization and restraint in all activities by claimants and other states, echoing the principles outlined in the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
They called for parties to refrain from threats or the use of force and to avoid actions that could escalate tensions. The resolution of disputes through peaceful means, as stipulated in international law and UNCLOS, including its dispute settlement mechanisms, was emphasized.
The next Subcommittee meeting is scheduled to take place in Manila in 2024.
Sep 28, 2023
