ASEAN Foreign Ministers Adopt Maritime Center Framework to Be Based in the Philippines; Lazaro Says South China Sea Code Draft Is 77% Complete
ASEAN foreign ministers, meeting in Pasay City on November 14, adopted the concept note and terms of reference for an ASEAN Maritime Center to be established in the Philippines, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said. The center will serve as a knowledge hub and support platform for the bloc's maritime-related initiatives.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro told a press briefing that the adoption was an important result of the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship. The center has only been approved and has not yet been set up, she said; a series of legal instruments still has to be signed, and its envisioned scope covers the whole blue economy, from academe to port authorities.
The ministers also welcomed the inclusion of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum as an ASEAN sectoral body, following approval of its concept note and terms of reference in July. Lazaro said the forum would advance cooperation and coordination among ASEAN coast guards and maritime law-enforcement agencies in addressing regional security challenges.
On the long-negotiated Code of Conduct in the South China Sea between ASEAN and China, Lazaro said about 80% of the draft paragraphs had been completed. "To be exact, I want to tell you it's 77 percent," she said, noting that the two sides have held monthly negotiations under the Philippine chairmanship. Further guidance on next steps would come from ASEAN leaders at their November 15-17 summit, she added. A Philippine foreign affairs official had earlier put agreement at about 70% of the overall package.
(Source: Philippine News Agency)
Source: Philippine News Agency
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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