SIX countries, through their ambassadors to the Philippines, raised the importance of a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific as they reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding regional stability.
The envoys from Australia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to promoting maritime security during a forum organized by the Stratbase Institute in partnership with the French Embassy in the Philippines.
French Ambassador Marie Fontanel underscored the robust maritime security cooperation between France and the Philippines.
She cited France's participation in the 39th Philippines-US Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) Exercises, the deployment of the Pegase 24 Air and Space Force, and the establishment of a full-fledged defense mission in Manila in June 2024.
"For an archipelagic nation like the Philippines, maritime safety is crucial. Ensuring the efficient transport of people and goods is essential for economic prosperity, while territorial and maritime sovereignty are vital for national security," Fontanel said.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya reiterated Japan's commitment to upholding the rule of law as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).
"Japan stands ready to work closely with the Philippines, Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and the international community to advance a Free and Open Indo-Pacific," Endo said.
EU Delegation Ambassador Massimo Santoro underscored the importance of a rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific. He said, "A region free from coercion is key to our collective stability, peace, and prosperity."
Strategic partnerships are "central to the EU's approach to the Indo-Pacific, promoting cooperation over confrontation," Santoro said.
Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo stressed the importance of maximizing the geopolitical significance of maritime Southeast Asia.
"As the maritime nations, Indonesia and the Philippines should maximize the benefit of the geopolitical importance of maritime Southeast Asia," Widjojo said.
"While Indonesia and the Philippines should continue the existing close maritime cooperation, both countries should find ways to promote regional maritime cooperation in the wider Indo-Pacific region," he added.
Vietnamese Ambassador Lai Thai Binh said that maritime security is not only a national interest but a shared regional imperative.
"Addressing these complex challenges requires robust partnerships and a steadfast commitment to upholding international law, particularly the Unclos," Binh said.
Stratbase Institute president Dindo Manhit underscored the role of international partnerships in addressing regional challenges, particularly in the maritime domain.
"Our collaboration goes beyond defense concerns and extends to the safety of trade routes, port modernization, and the sustainable management of maritime industries," he said.
"This partnership strengthens our collective commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous maritime region," Manhit said.