10 July 2013- Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario met with Members of European Parliament (MEPs) in Brussels on Tuesday, July 09, as part of his three-day visit to Belgium and Luxembourg.  Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Elmar Brok welcomed the Secretary at the European Parliament along with Delegation for Relations of Southeast Asia and ASEAN Chair Werner Langen and Philippine-European Union (EU) Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) Rapporteur Norica Nicolai.

The MEPs reiterated their support for the Philippines’ move to use peaceful and rule-of-law-based methods of solving maritime disputes, including the decision of the Philippines to seek international arbitration in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).  Their stance echoed the European Parliament Resolution in March supporting the peaceful resolution of disputes and arbitration as being in accordance with international law.

The MEPs agreed to exert efforts to speed up the ratification process of the PCA, the framework agreement that aims to deepen and strengthen PHL-EU relations.

Secretary del Rosario took time to update the MEPs on the ongoing peace process, informing them that the Philippine and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) panels are working on the Annexes to the signed Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The MEPs appreciated the information and stated that these are positive developments towards ensuring peace and stability in Mindanao. 

Secretary del Rosario also apprised the MEPs of efforts by Philippine agencies to address deficiencies in meeting standards imposed by the Convention on Standards, Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW). He underscored the socio-economic importance of the seafaring industry to the country.

The European Parliament along with the European Council is in charge of the general political direction and priorities of the EU.  MEPs Nicolai and Langen conducted working visits to the Philippines in October 2012 and February 2013 indicating the EU’s desire to intensify relations with the Philippines.

The EU is the fourth biggest aid donor to the Philippines.  The EU was one of the first to send its sympathies and assistance worth Php160 million after Typhoon Pablo.  The EU leads the Rehabilitation and Development component of the Mindanao Peace Process International Monitoring Team and supports the Philippines’ call for a peaceful resolution of the West Philippine Sea issue. END