(Eagle News)–President Bongbong Marcos said the Philippines and the United States should continue their cooperation in fighting maritime pollution and transnational crime.
In his intervention during the 10th ASEAN-US Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the President said the ASEAN “appreciates the US’ active advocacy and concrete projects supporting efforts to address transnational crime, terrorism, and human trafficking.”
“We regard as of primary import Quad’s assurance of unwavering support for ASEAN unity and Centrality with the view that such minilateral mechanisms should complement the ASEAN-centered regional security architecture,” he said.
The President was referring to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, a dialogue among the US, Australia, India, and Japan on security.
At the 10th ASEAN-US Summit, ASEAN nations and US President Joe Biden released a statement seeking for a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
According to the President, this only proves “a strengthening of our relationship.”
He said the partnership “will serve as an additional anchor to our regional architecture and to the current international order that is presently volatile and constantly in flux.”
He also asked for continuation of the engagement and capacity-building programs for law enforcement agencies and personnel through the International Law Enforcement Academy and the Senior Officials’ Meeting on Transnational Crime + US (SOMTC + US).