Solon lauds scheduled ratification of maritime boundary deal

Gordon described the maritime boundary deal as a “landmark development” that shows the productive result of “friendly, amicable and sincere negotiations” on such a contentious issue like exclusive economic zones. (File Photo: Dick Gordon/Facebook)

MANILA — Senator Richard Gordon on Monday hailed the scheduled ratification of a landmark agreement between the Philippines and Indonesia that establishes a boundary in the overlapping exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of both countries.

“Congratulations are in order for President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo on their announcement at the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok that the Philippines and Indonesia will ratify in August, a deal to establish a boundary between overlapping exclusive economic zones,” Gordon said in a statement.

Gordon described the maritime boundary deal as a “landmark development” that shows the productive result of “friendly, amicable and sincere negotiations” on such a contentious issue like exclusive economic zones.

The deal would establish a single EEZ boundary line that would delimit the overlapping EEZs in Mindanao Sea and Celebes Sea.

“There should be no room for inflexibility or points of view cast in stone so that good relations are enhanced between neighboring countries, especially in Asia,” Gordon said.