MANILA, Philippines- Inihayag ni Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar nitong Martes ang suporta para sa Pilipinas sa paggiit nito ng soberanya sa ilang lugar na saklaw ng teritoryo nito sa pinagtatalunang South China Sea kasunod ng water cannon attack na labis na naminsala sa Philippine vessel at ikinasugat ng nasa tatlong Filipino Navy personnel.
Gayundin, nangako ang India at ang Pilipinas na paiigtingin ang kooperasyon sa iba’t ibang larangan, partikular sa defense, security, maritime at economy sa harap ng umiiral na regional challenges.
Sa joint press briefing kasama ang Philippine counterpart na si Foreign Affair Secretary Enrique Manalo, binigyang-diin ni Jaishankar na kailangan ng rules-based order sa strategic resource-rich waters na inaangkin ng China sa kabila ng international tribunal ruling na bumabasura rito.
“We are convinced that the progress and prosperity of this region Is best served by staunch adherence to a rules-based order, the UNCLOS. It is particularly important in that regard as the constitution of the seas. All parties must adhere to it in its entirety both in letter and in spirit. I take this opportunity to firmly reiterate India’s support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty,” giit ni Jaishankar.
“As the world changes, It is essential that countries like India and the Philippines cooperate more closely to shape the emerging order,” dagdag niya. RNT/SA
