EU to share info with Philippines to strengthen maritime security

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday expressed willingness to share information with the Philippines in order to strengthen cooperation on maritime security.

In the joint press statement with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., von der Leyen said the global geopolitical landscape has been changing and threatening at present times.

She also emphasized the EU’s stand on the arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s massive claims in the South China Sea.

“The European Union underlines that the 2016 award of the arbitral tribunal on the South China Sea is legally binding and that it provides the basis for peaceful resolving disputes between the parties,” von der Leyen said.

“We are ready to strengthen the cooperation between the Philippines on maritime security in the region by sharing information, conducting threat assessment and building the capacity of your national coast guard center and your coast guard,” she added.

She further said the EU has been pushing for a free and open Indo-Pacific “because an Indo-Pacific free from threats of coercion is key to all our stability, our peace and to the prosperity of our people.”

Von der Leyen arrived at Malacañan Palace before 10 a.m. on Monday for the bilateral meeting with Marcos.

Marcos had invited her to visit the Philippines, the EU said.

Von der Leyen arrived in the country on Saturday.

She will also speak at a high-level business event organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) in partnership with the Makati Business Club (MBC).

Her visit to the country will be until Tuesday, August 1. —KG, GMA Integrated News