Philippines and US Reaffirmed Strong Partnership in Addressing Maritime Challenges

MANILA, 24 October 2024 – The Philippines and the United States held the 3rd Philippines-US Maritime Dialogue in Manila on 24 October 2024, taking stock of existing maritime engagements and exploring new approaches to collaboration in the maritime domain. The dialogue reaffirmed the two countries’ shared commitment to uphold UNCLOS, the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, and the rules-based international order, especially in addressing the complex and evolving maritime challenges in the region and the wider Indo-Pacific.

The meeting was co-chaired by Assistant Secretary Marshall Louis Alferez of the DFA’s Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO) and Deputy Assistant Secretary Mahlet Mesfin of the US State Department’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES).

The comprehensive and substantive discussions revolved around maritime law enforcement, especially information sharing, capacity building and joint operations, as well as modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard. The meeting touched on joint efforts to address illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the region, and continued collaboration on marine environmental conservation and climate change initiatives, especially on blue economy initiatives, marine scientific research, and oil spill response.

The two sides also exchanged information on how to improve maritime policy coordination, including in legislation and international ocean governance. They also exchanged views on recent developments in the South China Sea and how to effectively address the various challenges while also promoting peace and stability in the region.

In his opening remarks, Assistant Secretary Alferez stated that “this dialogue is a testament to the strength of [the] alliance and [the] shared commitment to uphold a free, open and secure maritime environment.” Recognizing the immense value of effective bilateral cooperation amid growing concerns in the maritime domain, Assistant Secretary Alferez said that the two countries “must continue to assess and discuss our current responses to ensure they are sufficient to counter evolving challenges.”

This third iteration of the dialogue builds upon the robust partnership emphasized in the recent 4th PHL-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held last July in Manila, where both countries highlighted the importance of maritime security and maritime cooperation as pillars of the alliance.

The 4th Philippines-US Maritime Dialogue will be hosted by the United States in 2025.  (END)