Speaking before other ASEAN heads of state at the start of the regional bloc's 21st summit, the President raised the maritime issue as "agenda item one."
"I wish to reiterate the need for maritime security and cooperation in ensuring freedom of navigation, in combating piracy, and in maintaining peace and stability in the region," he said.
Aquino added that ASEAN's six-point principles on the West Philippine Sea issue, an initiative by Indonesia, reflect ASEAN's vision.
"My country supports its effective implementation, which will highlight the fruits of constructive dialogue, strengthen our resolve, and reaffirm our respect for international law such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," he said.
Before the summit, the Aquino administration announced the West Philippine Sea issue will be one of the President's advocacies. The others are protecting migrant workers, upholding human rights, and a review of the ASEAN Charter.
The Department of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that China would cooperate in coming up with a code of conduct for parties involved in territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
Aside from the West Philippine Sea issue, President Aquino also voiced his support for the ASEAN Declaration of Human Rights, and welcomed the appointment of Vietnam's Le Luong Minh as ASEAN secretary-general to replace Thailand's Surin Pitsuwan next year.-ABS-CBN News (November 18, 2012 4:12PM)
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