PH, India unite to fight transnational crimes

CITING the still existing threat of terrorism, violent extremism and other transnational crimes, President Rodrigo Duterte has noted that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and India can work together through exchanges of each nation’s best practices and information for strengthened security.

Speaking on the last day of the virtual 38th and 39th Asean Summit and other Related Summits late Thursday, the Chief Executive welcomed the adoption of the Asean-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

Such cooperation aims to deepen the strategic partnership, particularly on public health, maritime security, digital economy, connectivity and science, technology and innovation as well as biodiversity conservation among the concerned parties.

In enhancing the Asean-India maritime cooperation, including on maritime security, both sides committed to exert efforts to counter piracy and armed robbery against ships, build up maritime safety and search and rescue (SAR) operations, and strengthen information sharing through appropriate mechanisms under the Asean-India framework and other appropriate Asean-led mechanisms.

“Asean and India also stand to benefit from closer cooperation in disaster management, green recovery and smart cities. These are the vital areas of engagement in the context of climate change,” Duterte noted during his dialogue with his fellow leaders from the 10-nation regional bloc and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Part of having a harmonious and peaceful co-existence in the region, the President said, is acknowledging the significance of the South China Sea in global maritime activities and trade.

According to him, stable maritime links are crucial to post-pandemic recovery and sustained economic growth as he lauded India for its “consistent affirmation of the importance of the rule of law, freedom of navigation and peaceful resolution of disputes, in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or Unclos.

Duterte underscored how India has been a reliable partner of Asean as the region copes with the coronavirus pandemic, citing its $1 million contribution to the Covid-19 Asean Response Fund.

The Asean-India meeting, as part of continuing efforts to overcome the global health crisis, resolved to establish “social infrastructure development targeting the key social sectors; to support the Asean Comprehensive Recovery Framework; strengthen public health infrastructure; and enhance capacities for preparedness and response to pandemics and public health emergencies.”