President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized on Thursday the efforts of India to support the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in calling for peace and stability in the South China Sea as he recognized its significance and influence in the ASEAN community.
“Allow me also to begin by thanking India for supporting ASEAN during the last Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Meeting where India stood in solidarity with ASEAN, especially on our call to factually update paragraphs on the South China Sea in the NAM Ministerial Outcome Document,” President Marcos said.
The President made the remarks in his intervention during the 20th ASEAN-India Summit attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other leaders.
President Marcos said they respect the constructive role of India in world affairs and its efforts to promote the rule of law as a major power in the region.
“We both envision a progressive Indo-Pacific that encompasses maritime cooperation to ensure sustainable use of maritime resources – particularly in tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, promoting the blue economy, and mitigating maritime pollution, among others,” President Marcos said.
The President also congratulated both the ASEAN and India for swiftly implementing the action lines of the Plan of Action (POA) 2021-2025, which guides cooperation of the ASEAN member countries “across all pillars of the ASEAN Community.”
“In view of this development, we anticipate the finalization of its Annex while the Philippines is readying the negotiations for the Plan of Action’s successor document. As the next country coordinator for ASEAN-India relations, we stand ready to shepherd this document,” President Marcos said.
As the next country coordinator for ASEAN-India relations, the Philippines is also looking forward to a productive partnership with India and gave assurance on the delivery of concrete programs that are beneficial for both regions and their people.
Marcos recognized the significance and influence of India in the ASEAN community.
“We also welcome initiatives and projects under the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region,” the chief executive added.
President Marcos also thanked India for hosting the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) 2023 which, he said, is an example of how cooperation between ASEAN and a Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue Partner could promote an open, inclusive, balanced, transparent, and rules-based regional architecture.
As far as the economy is concerned, the President also urged India to continue efforts at enhancing ASEAN connectivity and supply chains to further expand mutual trade.
President Marcos is looking forward to seeing more ASEAN-India cooperation in the protection of the environment, climate action, and biodiversity promotion through the ASEAN-India Green Fund. *PND*
