Marcos cites need for freedom of navigation in South China Sea, Arabian Sea

KUALA LUMPUR — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday highlighted the need to ensure freedom of navigation to guarantee the flow of commerce in the South China Sea and the Arabian Sea.

"The South China Sea and the Arabian Sea cover vital seabeds that serve as lifelines for regional and international commerce in both our regions. As such, it is necessary to provide the freedom of navigation to guarantee unimpeded commerce and to protect the marine environment through compliance to established international law, specifically UNCLOS," Marcos said during the 2nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit.

Marcos said the summit was a testament of the Philippines' strong commitment to a shared vision of peace, security, and prosperity between the two interconnected regions.

"The Philippines, as country coordinator for ASEAN-GCC relations, wishes to express its sincere appreciation to ASEAN and GCC in their counterparts for their valuable contribution and hard work for this summit," Marcos said.

"Your Majesty, Your Highnesses, Excellencies, as we confront the challenges to peace and security in various regions of the world, we commend the GCC and its member states for their increasing involvement and endeavors in peacemaking and in peacebuilding," he added.

Marcos noted that the efforts have contributed to the enhancement of global security and stability through mediation, dialogue, and diplomacy, which later resulted in peace agreements, prisoner exchanges, and family reunifications.

He said that on the economic front, the strategic importance of ASEAN-GCC relations cannot be overstated.

"We are two dynamic regions, rich in natural and human capital, bound by shared aspirations for prosperity and sustainable development," Marcos said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News