Marcos stresses freedom of navigation, trade in SCS, AS

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and uninterrupted trade in the South China Sea and Arabian Sea during his speech at the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit on Tuesday, May 27.

Marcos stressed that these waters are crucial for regional commerce and must be protected under international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), calling them 'lifelines' to global trade.

He highlighted the Philippines' commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in both regions and praised the Gulf Cooperation Council's efforts in peacemaking and peacebuilding through mediation and diplomacy.

On the economic front, Marcos noted that ASEAN-GCC relations are vital for sustainable development and called for strict adherence to international law amid rising tensions and maritime disputes.

The President also renewed his call for Southeast Asian countries to accelerate the adoption of a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea to ensure peaceful resolution of disputes and regional stability.