Enhanced Cooperation

In a joint statement released following a meeting in Washington, the United States and the Philippines reaffirmed their common interest in maintaining freedom of navigation through collaboration.

U.S., Philippines agree to enhance cooperation over maritime security

WASHINGTON (Kyodo) — The United States and the Philippines agreed Monday to strengthen their cooperation over maritime security at their first ”two-plus-two” security talks involving their foreign and defense ministers.

In a joint statement released after the meeting in Washington, the two countries reaffirmed their common interest ”in maintaining freedom of navigation” and agreed on ”a rules-based approach in resolving competing claims in maritime areas through peaceful, collaborative, multilateral, and diplomatic processes within the framework of international law.”

From the U.S. side, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta joined the dialogue, while the Philippines was represented by Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

Source: The Mainichi