PNoy, Abe discuss territorial dispute with China . President Benigno Aquino III shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the start of their meeting at the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo on Tuesday, June 24. The two leaders are expected to discuss the ongoing territorial dispute with China in a bid to maintain peace in the region. AFP/Yuya Shino/Pool
President Benigno Aquino III arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 early Tuesday from his one-day working visit to Japan, radio dzBB reported.
On his arrival, Aquino said his trip and discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe were significant. Both countries had agreed to cooperate on tourism, car manufacturing, solving Metro Manila’s traffic problem, and support of the Mindanao peace process.
Aquino also emphasized Abe’s support for the Philippines’ position on the territorial rows in the region’s seas.
“Sa immediate na antas, isinusulong natin ang moratorium sa mga gawaing direktang nagdudulot ng tensyon. Sa intermediate naman, muli nating inilalatag ang panawagan para sa buong pagpapatupad ng ASEAN-China Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, or DOC, at ang agarang pagbubuo ng isang binding Code of Conduct, o isang isang binding COC. Sa final approach naman, naniniwala tayong bibigyang-linaw ng arbitration ang maritime entitlements ng lahat ng partido, na siya naman magiging matibay na basehan para maresolbahan ang maritime disputes para sa kapakanan ng lahat,” he said.
“Ang paninindigan po natin: Magagawa natin ito sa patuloy na pagbubuklod at pagdadamayan, at sa pagpiling sabay-sabay na tahakin ang landas ng pag-uunawaan, respeto, at katarungan,” he added. — Joel Locsin/DVM, GMA News
