Illustrative image (Source: VNA)Speaking at a webinar held by the European Union Delegationto the Philippines, Maria Theresa Lazaro, Philippine Foreign AffairsUndersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs, said that ASEAN andthe European Union (EU) should continue to reaffirm the importance ofmaintaining and promoting peace, security, safety and freedom of navigation andoverflight in the East Sea as well as the peaceful resolution of disputes inaccordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on theLaw of the Sea (UNCLOS).
She also showed her hope that the finalization of a Code ofConduct in the East Sea in accordance with international law will provide a newregime of peace, stability and prosperity in the future.
Regarding the vaccination against COVID-19, Lazarosaid the ASEAN and the EU strongly support vaccine multilateralism with theWorld Health Organisation as they work together to ensure fair, equitable, andaffordable access to safe and effective vaccines as global public goods.
She also expressed appreciation for the EU’s package of over800 million EUR to combat the spread of diseases and to mitigate their impactto the region.
She showed her hope that the EU will continue supportingASEAN’s pandemic response and recovery efforts, including equitable and timelyaccess to vaccines.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron, meanwhile, saidthe EU is determined to deepen trade and security engagement in the region andpromote multilateralism to address challenges.
The EU also welcomed the appointment of Erywan Yusof,Brunei’s Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, as the Special Envoy of the ASEANChair on Myanmar./.
VNA
