EU backs Phl in South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines - The European Union (EU) on Tuesday saidit continues to support a peaceful resolution to the disputed South China Sea.

China, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan all claim territory in the South China Sea.

At the Nuclear Security summit in Seoul on Tuesday, European Commission President José Manuel Barroseo and European Council President Van Rompuy assured Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay that they back a peaceful resolution to the disputed islands, citing the United Nations Convention on the law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as major basis.

The leaders discussed recent developments in Southeast Asia region, including the South China sea dispute. 

 The EU said the meeting underscores the very good bilateral relations between the Philippines and EU.

Both sides agreed to strengthen their ties further.

The EU is already a top investor in the Philippines and a major market for its exports.

They both agreed that there is a potential to expand the economic exchange further.

 The EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which is ready for signature, will provide the structures for deeper exchanges – from security and trade to human rights and migration.

 The EU commended the Philippine government for its commitment to the peace process in Mindanao and for the progress it achieved so far. The EU confirmed its readiness to continue supporting the process politically and through development assistance aimed to facilitate a resolution to the conflict.