Brussels, Belgium
December 14, 2022
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the need to strengthen maritime relations, economic and bloc-to-bloc cooperation, and climate change mitigation efforts between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and European Union (EU) when he delivered his remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit in Brussels, Belgium.
“I hope to see the proposed Philippines-EU Free Trade Agreement move beyond scoping negotiations soon,” the President stressed, citing its importance amid post-pandemic economic recovery.
With the Philippines as Country Coordinator on ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations, President Marcos Jr. declared support to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a “legal framework that governs all activities in the oceans and seas.”
“We need to see an effective implementation of the UNCLOS to address the maritime disputes and geopolitical rivalry in the Indo-Pacific to truly realize the still-distant aspiration for the Indo-Pacific to become a sea of peace and prosperity for us all,” he noted.
The Chief Executive likewise urged his counterparts from ASEAN and EU to work together in finding solutions to the pressing global issue of climate change.
“The Philippines will vigorously pursue collaborations and coordination with the EU to meet the dialogues’ aim of facilitating green technology transfer and cooperation between our regions,” he added.
He expressed his gratitude towards EU’s funding of the National Copernicus Support Action Program which will help the Philippines develop space technology to increase the country’s resilience against climate change and natural disasters.
After the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive posed for a family photo with his counterparts from the ASEAN and EU.
The ASEAN and EU is celebrating 45 years of diplomatic relations based on shared values and commitment to rules-based international order, respect for international law and promotion of effective multilateralism.
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