THE Philippines appealed to fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) for enhanced collaboration in areas such as conservation of marine resources, safety of navigation and communication at sea, and search and rescue operations, especially in the disputed South China Sea.

'Maritime cooperation is a vital element, solid foundation for the prosperity, peace and continued work of Asean with our exeral partners like the United States,' said Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for Bilaterateral Relations and Asean Affairs Elizabeth Buensuceso in her lead intervention at the 34th Asean-US Dialogue held via video conference last May 6.