Marcos thanks Australia for concern over actions vs. PH in SCS

JAKARTA —President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday thanked Australia for its concern over recent actions directed against the Philippines in the South China Sea.

“We, the Philippines, thank Australia for expressing concern on the latest actions directed against the Philippines in the South China Sea. We join Australia on the call for peace, stability, and respect for the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS),” Marcos said during his intervention at the 3rd ASEAN-Australia Summit where Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was present.

The Philippine president likewise welcomed Australia’s “active engagement in maritime-related issues and concerns in the region.”

He also thanked Australia for supporting the Philippines’ hosting of the 12th ASEAN Maritime Forum and the 10th Expanded Maritime Forum in Manila last December.

Last August, over a thousand troops from the Philippines and Australia, assisted by United States (US) soldiers, participated in a combined amphibious assault exercise in San Antonio, Zambales in the Philippines.

Marcos personally observed the first ALON war games in Zambales. Exercise ALON is a dynamic initiative that stands as a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to bolstering bilateral cooperation and interoperability within the armed forces.

Likewise, the Philippine president acknowledged Australia’s contribution to the Project-based Community Medical Deployment/Medical Aid Provision Initiative under the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus Experts’ Working Group on Military Medicine.

Marcos also said that the Philippines welcomes the adoption of the ASEAN-Australia Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Cooperation on Food Security in Times of Crises as food security and nutrition during crises are a common concern shared by all ASEAN Member States.

Food security is a priority policy of the ASEAN and Philippines.

Following the Philippines signing onto the Second Protocol to Amend the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), Marcos expressed optimism that this will provide fresh opportunities to improve the flow of goods, services, and investments between ASEAN and Australia. —NB, GMA Integrated News