ASEAN, EU to intensify maritime cooperation

MANILA — Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) have agreed to take steps to improve sharing of information and surveillance, as they cooperate at the bilateral and regional levels on maritime security.

They welcomed the successful outcome of the fourth EU-ASEAN High Level Dialogue (HLD) on Maritime Security Cooperation which was held here this week.

In a joint press statement, ASEAN and EU said they will also cooperate in conducting law enforcement at sea, and developing efficient, secure, and environmentally-friendly ports.

On the regional level, the two regional blocs will work on enhancing marine environmental management, preventing escalation of conflicts in disputed waters, and establishing joint resource development mechanisms.

“The Dialogue concluded that ASEAN-EU cooperation on maritime security will bring about mutual benefit for ASEAN and EU Member States and contribute in a constructive way to the maintenance of peace and good order at sea,” they said.

The two sides aim to promote and facilitate the implementation of the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action ‎2018-2022, particularly on maritime security which encourages close cooperation between them to address maritime-related issues in a comprehensive manner. (PNA)

Popular

Corruption issues won’t affect PH chairship of ASEAN 2026 —PBBM

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday stressed that local political issues of any member state will not overshadow the regional and...

PH to raise South China Sea Code of Conduct as 2026 ASEAN chair —PBBM

By Brian Campued The Philippines is in the process of putting together the different elements where it believes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)...

ASEAN, China sign free trade upgrade

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday joined fellow leaders at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the signing of...

PBBM notes maritime cooperation as key for regional peace, stability

By Brian Campued Citing the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel as well as the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the...