09 November 2015 – Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia headed the Philippine delegation to the 12^th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM12) in Luxembourg from November 05 to 06.

Formed in 1996, ASEM is an informal and intergovernmental dialogue process of Asia and Europe, which is made up today of 21 Asian countries, 30 European countries, and two international organizations (the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat). It is Summit-driven, with inputs from the Foreign Ministers and Senior Officials meetings.

During the meeting, Undersecretary Garcia updated Ministers on recent developments in the South China Sea, including the results of the Arbitral Tribunal’s decision on jurisdiction and admissibility with regard to the case filed by the Philippines against China. He also reiterated that Asia and Europe share the same concerns on freedom of navigation and overflight; unimpeded commerce; environmental protection; and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, including arbitration and UNCLOS. Several European and Asian countries also issued statements on this issue, particularly at the retreat session.

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini reiterated that the EU is“committed to maritime order based upon the principles of international law, in particular, UNCLOS, and we oppose any attempt to assert territorial or maritime claims through the use of intimidation, coercion, force or any unilateral action which would cause further friction.”  The EU also “took note of the recent decision by the UNCLOS tribunal that it has jurisdiction in the case of the Philippines against China.”