DFA logo and building facade. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Thailand have promised to continue to uphold peace and security in the South China Sea, Myanmar and Gaza, the Foreign Affairs Department (DFA) said on Thursday.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said he had a “fruitful and productive” meeting with Thailand Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa who was in Manila for an official visit.
In an official statement read during a press briefing, Manalo said he and Sangiampongsa exchanged views on regional issues of mutual interest and concern, particularly those involving the South China Sea, Myanmar, and Gaza.
“As fellow ASEAN member states, the Philippines and Thailand continue to uphold the importance of the Five Point Consensus in promoting lasting peace and security in Myanmar. We welcome Thailand’s approach in providing humanitarian relief to those in need in Myanmar, and in addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in the country,” Manalo said.
On the South China Sea row, Manalo said he briefed Sangiampongsa about the Philippines’ stand on the issue.
“I reiterated that the Philippine position has been consistent, clear, and firmly anchored on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea,” Manalo said.
“I reaffirmed the Philippines’ continued commitment to ASEAN’s centrality and ASEAN’s goal of peace and stability in the region,” he added.
Other topics discussed include the Israeli-Palestinian conflict where the two countries affirmed the need for peace in the region.
Manalo also said he personally took the opportunity to ask Thailand for its support for a Philippine-led resolution at the 56th UN Human Rights Council Session on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights of Seafarers, noting the current situation of board merchant vessels plying the Red Sea.
“In three weeks’ time, we will meet with our colleagues to attend the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Vientiane, Lao PDR,” the DFA chief said.
“In conclusion, I had a fruitful and productive meeting with Foreign Minister Maris and I look forward to more opportunities to exchange views with him on how we can strengthen and elevate our bilateral relationship, as well as cooperation in addressing various regional and international challenges,” he added.