Manila, Seoul tighten maritime ties

THE Philippines and the Republic of Korea (RoK) agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation and to address shared challenges and concerns at their inaugural dialogue held on Wednesday, September 21, in Busan.

Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Maria Angela Ponce and Ambassador of the Philippines to the RoK Ma. Theresa Dizon-de Vega led the Philippine delegation while DirectorGeneral for Asean and Southeast Asian Affairs Bureau Cecilia Jung of the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed the host delegation.

In her opening remarks, Ponce said this new mechanism for engagement in the maritime sphere “will further deepen and broaden the already dynamic cooperation and support between our two countries.”

The Philippines and the RoK discussed working together in maritime domain awareness, marine environment protection and ocean economy. They also agreed to exchange best practices, enhance capacity-building programs, including defense and maritime law enforcement, and explore partnerships in technology transfer in maritime transport and education.

Both countries cited the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the legal framework for all activities at sea, particularly in upholding the freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as the peaceful uses of the sea and peaceful resolution of disputes.

The Philippines and the RoK committed to sustain this new mechanism, especially in the context of the 75th anniversary of relations between Seoul and Manila.

The Philippines agreed to host the second dialogue in Manila next year.

The inaugural maritime dialogue was held during the 7th International Marine Debris Conference and the 2022 Korea Maritime Week.