By Faye P. Velasco
MANILA, June 24 (PNA) -- The Philippines is ready to protect its territory against any aggression while continuing to play an active role in maintaining peace and stability in the Southeast Asian region, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
A video of the joint press briefing in Washington, D.C. between DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario and State Secretary Hillary Clinton, posted at the U.S. State Department website, showed the former as saying to Clinton and other U.S. officials that “while we are a small country, we are prepared to do what is necessary to stand up to any aggressive action in our backyard.”
”The Philippines has made clear its position on the issue to maintain peace while allowing for the economic development of the area,” Del Rosario also said, referring to the disputed Spratly group of islands.
He added: “There is need to segregate the non-disputed areas from the disputed areas. What is ours is ours, and what is disputed can be shared.”
The DFA said Del Rosario also discussed with Clinton the Philippines’ proposal for “a rules-based regime in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
Del Rosario said the Aquino administration is shifting the focus of its military strategy from insurgency to protecting the country from external forces and expressed confidence that under the Mutual Defense Treaty, the U.S. would come to the aid of the Philippines in case of hostilities with China in the West Philippine Sea.
Del Rosario arrived in Washington on Monday at the invitation of Secretary Clinton.
The DFA said Del Rosario also discussed with Clinton issues on terrorism, human trafficking, and increased trade between the Philippines and the U.S., among others.
PNA
More Info: Remarks With Philippines Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario After Their Meeting (US State Department)
