India, Philippines officials exchange perspective on prevailing maritime challenges

Officials from India and the Philippines exchanged perspectives on prevailing maritime challenges and discussed ways to enhance maritime cooperation in furthering a conducive environment for mutual growth and global well-being during the Maritime Dialogue held in Manila city on Friday.

The Indian delegation was led by Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary, Disarmament and International Security Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, and the Philippines delegation by Marshall Louis Alferez, Assistant Secretary, Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office, Department of Foreign Affairs.

“The event coincided with 75 years of diplomatic relationship between both countries,” read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The officials laid emphasis on adherence to a rules based order, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and explored cooperation initiatives in the maritime domain to uphold the same.

“While endeavouring to increase bilateral engagement, they also deliberated on avenues to collaborate at various international and regional fora for shared objectives,” the statement said.

“They agreed to share best practices and partner in maritime capacity building initiatives in areas such as Maritime Industry, Marine Scientific Research, Ocean Economy, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Navy and Coast Guard cooperation and maritime law enforcement,” the statement said.

The next round of the dialogue will be held in New Delhi next year.