Pres. Aquino supports Japanese Prime Minister’s principles in promoting peace in the region

President Benigno S. Aquino III has expressed support for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s principles in fostering a regional environment that is founded on "respect, trust and peace".

In his intervention during the 17th ASEAN-Japan Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, President Aquino said Prime Minister Abe’s principles are consistent with the Philippines’ approach in addressing tensions in the South China Sea, which Manila refers to as West Philippine Sea.

“We have filed an arbitration case under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), which is an avenue through which claimant states can settle disputes and differences in a just, reasonable, and peaceful manner,” the President said during the summit held at the Myanmar International Convention Center Wednesday (Nov. 12).

“We also continue to promote the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), especially paragraph 5, and the early conclusion of a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC),” he added.

The Chief Executive noted that as the Philippines pursues and promotes the rule of law, the country will host with Japan and the United States the ASEAN Regional Forum Intercessional Meeting on Maritime Security in the next three years.

“This will provide an opportunity for all of us to strengthen maritime security cooperation in the region, and consequently shape the maritime norms that govern our actions, in accordance with international law,” he said.

President Aquino further acknowledged Japan’s contribution in the Philippines’ infrastructure development, which they made by sharing their expertise and knowledge.

Much can still be achieved through public-private partnerships, he said, extending his invitation to Japan and ASEAN partners to attend the ASEAN Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Networking Forum, to be held in Manila next year.

The forum will focus on the outcomes of recent PPP initiatives across the ASEAN and how to further improve infrastructure in the region.

The President also mentioned that Japan is contributing to women empowerment by supporting the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation workshop on women and children caught in conflict, which the Philippines will host next year.

“Through these actions, we are showing the world what can be achieved. Indeed, it is this kind of cooperation that enables our partnership to rise to the emerging challenges of our time,” President Aquino said. (PCOO News Release)