BUSAN—The Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK/South Korea) agreed to boost their maritime cooperation, while addressing related challenges and concerns.
At their inaugural Maritime Dialogue on September 21, Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Maria Angela A. Ponce and Ambassador of the Philippines to the ROK Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-de Vega jointly led the Philippine side, while Director General for Asean and Southeast Asian Affairs Bureau Cecilia Jung of the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed the Korean delegation.
In her opening remarks, Ponce shared that this new mechanism for engagement in the maritime sphere “will further deepen and broaden the already dynamic cooperation and support between our two countries.”
The Philippines and the ROK discussed their collaboration in the fields of maritime-domain awareness, marine-environment protection, and ocean economy. They also agreed to exchange best practices, enhance capacity-building programs, including in defense and maritime-law enforcement, while exploring partnerships on technology transfer in maritime transport and maritime education.
Both countries also emphasized the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, as the legal framework for all naval activities, particularly in upholding the freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as the peaceful uses of the sea and amicable resolution of disputes.
They likewise committed to sustain this new mechanism, especially in the context of the 75th anniversary of their relations. The Philippines agreed to host the second edition in Manila next year.
The inaugural maritime dialogue was held at the margins of the seventh International Marine Debris Conference and the 2022 Korea Maritime Week.