Philippines highlights importance of peace, stability in East Sea
The Philippines has emphasised the importance of maintaining navigation and overflight freedom in the East Sea, as well as the peaceful solution to disputes through international law.
Hanoi (VNA) - The Philippines has emphasised the importance ofmaintaining navigation and overflight freedom in the East Sea, as well as thepeaceful solution to disputes through international law.
Speaking at a webinar held by the European Union Delegationto the Philippines, Maria Theresa Lazaro, Philippine Foreign AffairsUndersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs, said that ASEAN andthe European Union (EU) should continue to reaffirm the importance ofmaintaining and promoting peace, security, safety and freedom of navigation andoverflight in the East Sea as well as the peaceful resolution of disputes inaccordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on theLaw of the Sea (UNCLOS).
She also showed her hope that the finalization of a Code ofConduct in the East Sea in accordance with international law will provide a newregime of peace, stability and prosperity in the future.
Regarding the vaccination against COVID-19, Lazarosaid the ASEAN and the EU strongly support vaccine multilateralism with theWorld Health Organisation as they work together to ensure fair, equitable, andaffordable access to safe and effective vaccines as global public goods.
She also expressed appreciation for the EU’s package of over800 million EUR to combat the spread of diseases and to mitigate their impactto the region.
She showed her hope that the EU will continue supportingASEAN’s pandemic response and recovery efforts, including equitable and timelyaccess to vaccines.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron, meanwhile, saidthe EU is determined to deepen trade and security engagement in the region andpromote multilateralism to address challenges.
The EU also welcomed the appointment of Erywan Yusof,Brunei’s Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, as the Special Envoy of the ASEANChair on Myanmar./.
The 28th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF-28) took place virtually on August 6 as part of the 54th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM 54) and Related Meetings.
The Chairman’s Statement of the 28th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) has called for the maintenance of security and freedom of navigation in the East Sea, and acceleration of talks for the prompt signing of the Code of Conduct in the waters (COC).
Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn said Cambodia welcomes the resumption of negotiations on a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea (called the East Sea in Vietnam) as it reflects the commitment of ASEAN and China to maintain regional stability by managing differences as per international law.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh raised proposals to effectively tackle challenges to maritime security while addressing the high-level open debate on “Enhancing Maritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation” of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), held virtually on August 9.
The forum featured two in-depth discussion sessions, engaging representatives from governments, think tanks, and businesses from both ASEAN and China, on how to forge closer ties for a common future.
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The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
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Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
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Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
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Illustrative image (Source: VNA) 
