Aquino tells East Asia leaders: Resolving searow will improve regional peace and stability

President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the need to resolve territorial dispute in the South China Sea in order to improve peace and stability in the region.

“The Philippines continues to seek a peaceful and lawful solution. We are pursuing arbitration, promoting the full and effective implementation of the DOC (Declaration of Conduct) and pushing for the conclusion of the COC (Code of Conduct) at the soonest possible time,” he said.

The President stressed that the Philippines is “promoting everybody’s interest” in resorting to arbitration and should not be viewed as being against any country.

“Once everybody’s entitlements and obligations are clearly defined, then there is no reason for instability. This will benefit not only our region, but also the global community,” he said.

He noted that a substantial percentage of the world trade traverses the South China Sea thus having a rule of law respected by all nations will contribute to an “international landscape of order, fairness, and harmony” that will ensure regional stability.

Aside from maritime issues, the President also discussed other pressing matters in the region and in the world such as the threat of Ebola, disaster response, and extremist group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).

On Ebola, the President reaffirmed his commitment to increase efforts to respond to the deadly virus that is now crippling many countries in West Africa and threatens to infect other nations.

On disaster response, he said the Philippines is co-sponsoring the East Asia Summit guidelines on rapid disaster response with Australia, which will enable East Asia Summit member states to build regional capacity to respond to disasters.

The President also renewed his commitment to work with the international community to fight against extremism and terrorism, particularly the threat of ISIS jihadist.

Aquino also called on other East Asia Summit leaders to welcome external partners, such as Canada, who have expressed desire to contribute valuable experiences and resources to ensure stability in the region.

"We must strengthen the role of the East Asia Summit as a high-level forum that fosters productive discussions of strategic and political issues even as we effectively pursue our six priority areas," he said.  (PCOO News Release)