Marcos urges ASEAN to address transnational crimes during bloc's meet with Japan

VIENTIANE — President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged ASEAN leaders to remain resolute in addressing transnational crimes that could adversely affect peace and stability in the region.

“The common problems in our region are increasingly transnational in nature. Unilateral actions in the East and in the South China Sea continue to undermine peace and stability in the region,” Marcos said during the 27th ASEAN-Japan Summit in Lao PDR.

“We, therefore, must remain steadfast in our responsibility, building on mutual trust, in upholding maritime security and cooperation, territorial integrity, disarmament, and the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons,” he added.

Marcos also hailed Japan’s commitment when it comes to partnering for peace and stability through the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus.

The ARF is a platform dedicated for security dialogues in the Indo-Pacific region, where members develop cooperative measures to mitigate the impacts of compounding crises and enhance peace and security.

Established in 1994, the ARF comprises of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, Australia, Canada, China, the European Union (EU), India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Russia,  United States, Bangladesh, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste.

Marcos also welcomed Japan’s continued commitment to the common vision “for a world built on shared principles and values, the rule of law and good governance, and also for the respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

He also expressed appreciation for Japan’s support for strengthening and promoting ASEAN Centrality.

“Our relations continue to fortify a rules-based Indo-Pacific region that is free and open through shared fundamental principles in fostering peace, stability, and prosperity,” Marcos said.

Japan has consistently demonstrated its commitment as ASEAN’s partner for peace and stability through the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus, said Marcos. — RSJ/VBL, GMA Integrated News