President Aquino tackles ‘Triple Action Plan’ of the Philippines with Belgian Prime Minister

President Aquino delivering the keynote speech for the PPP Conference in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by: Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines)

BRUSSELS, Belgium — President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday discussed with Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo the Philippines’ “Triple Action Plan” in addressing the issues related to the conflicting claims over the South China Sea.

President Aquino and Prime Minister Di Rupo sat down for a meeting at the Lambermont building, the premier’s official residence in Brussels, to tackle a wide range of issues, including regional security and stability.

“On matters related to regional security and stability, I have informed the Prime Minister of our country’s Triple Action Plan in addressing the concerns in the South China Sea, the sea known by many names in our part of the world,” the President said.

The Triple Action Plan put forward by the Philippines is a concrete framework aimed at easing tensions brought about by various activities of claimants in the South China Sea.

“We urge all claimant states to agree to a cessation of activities that escalate tension in the region,” the Chief Executive said in a statement issued after his meeting with the Belgian leader.

President Aquino also shared with Prime Minister Di Rupo the country’s calls for the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, the expeditious conclusion of a legally-binding Code of Conduct, and the implementation of a settlement mechanism that will bring the disputes to a final solution grounded on international law, particularly UNCLOS.

President Aquino said the Philippines remains committed to resolving the territorial disputes peacefully.

“The Philippines remains committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the region, and we thank Belgium for its support in this endeavor,” he said.