MANILA, Philippines — DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday welcomed the delegates of the 16th ASEAN Political-Security Community Council Meeting in Manila.
In his opening remarks, Cayetano noted that during the council's previous meeting last April, they vowed to focus on peace and stability in the region as well as maritime security and cooperation.
"We have made significant strides in our joint efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region including progress in maritime security and cooperation through the relevant ASEAN-led bodies and mechanism," Cayetano said.
On maritime security, Cayetano said that the adoption of the framework of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea would pave the way for the negotiations on the sea code.
The ASEAN is expected to formally announce the start of negotiations on the Code of Conduct as it meets with China in Manila Monday afternoon. — Patricia Lourdes Viray