THE Philippines said it is important for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to maintain “centrality” and uphold international law in addressing disputes in the Indo-Pacific region.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
She cited the need to uphold the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea in resolving disputes in the region.
Lazaro outlined the Philippines’ strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific region during a roundtable discussion co-organized by the Center for Security Studies (CSS) and the Asia Society Switzerland in Zurich, Switzerland, on Nov. 15.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Lazaro reiterated that the Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to diplomatic engagement and dialogue with all parties, while remaining committed to upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.
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