Locsin calls for deeper PH-EU engagement on security, defense

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called for a closer engagement between the Philippines and the European Union on issues concerning security and defense in the Indo-Pacific region.

At the EU Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in Paris on February 22, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. noted that Asean’s own outlook on the Indo-Pacific is anchored on inclusiveness, openness, cooperation, consensus-building, and respect for international law.

“Asean-led mechanisms such as the East Asian Summit are its platforms for dialogue and action. In this context, the Philippines looks to deepening our engagement with the EU on security and defense issues,” he said.

Locsin said the “only way to secure and defend” freedom and independence in the region is to be stronger.

“And there is only one way to grow our collective strength and ensure a successful outcome, and that is with dependable alliances that share our vital interests,” he said.

Locsin hailed the clarity provided by EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy on enhancing the bloc’s role in preserving a peaceful and thriving region, based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He said the EU’s focus on secure sea lines of communication, capacity-building, enhanced naval presence, and joint exercises to protect safety and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific also “resonate strongly” with the Philippines.

“Our Coast Guard, Navy and Police Maritime Group are interested in CRIMARIO II to enhance our maritime domain awareness so we hope to see progress in this,” he said.

CRIMARIO II or the Critical Maritime Routes in the Indian Ocean II builds on the CRIMARIO I by expanding the scope towards South and Southeast Asia to create a safer and more secure maritime domain, through cross-regional cooperation.

During the meeting, the EU announced the extension of the concept of a coordinated maritime presence in the north-west Indian Ocean to optimize naval deployments and bolster cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific, including by conducting joint maritime exercises and port calls.

The ministerial forum was co-chaired by French Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.

It gathered foreign ministers and high-level officials from more than 50 countries as well as regional organizations from both the Indian and the Pacific Oceans.