President Duterte welcomes Australia’s stand on 2016 Arbitral ruling
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his appreciation for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s support for the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the South China Sea that favored the Philippines.
In a statement from the Office of the President, President Duterte said he is thankful to his Australian counterpart on the former’s statement during the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly on the issue. This was his message during his intervention at the Second ASEAN-Australia Biennial Summit.
“Your Government’s formal manifestation before the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf reinforces our efforts to counter claims and assertive actions that contradict international law, particularly UNCLOS,” President Duterte said.
He added the manifestations “are of utmost significance to the integrity of the Convention and the procedures it has established.”
“The growing chorus of nations affirming and defending what is right strengthens the legal order over our seas and oceans,” he added.
During the same occasion, he welcomed Australia’s strong commitment to ASEAN Centrality and the principles of openness, inclusivity, respect for international law and peaceful settlements of disputes.
“The growing chorus of nations affirming and defending what is right strengthens the legal order over our seas and oceans,” he added. At the same time, the Filipino leader welcomed Australia’s strong commitment to ASEAN Centrality and the principles of openness, inclusivity, respect for international law, and peaceful settlement of disputes.
President Duterte said maintaining peace, security and stability in the South China Sea is a shared strategic objective,” he explained. He also thanked Australia’s technical assistance in the crafting of the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
He also credited Australia for making maternal and neonatal health services more accessible in Masbate province under the Philippine-Australia Comprehensive Partnership, he added. (Melo M. Acuña)
Comments