November 24, 2015
No. 273
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a reception on the afternoon of November 24, marking the conclusion of the Agreement Concerning the Facilitation of Cooperation on Law Enforcement in Fisheries Matters. Signed on November 5, the agreement demonstrates the importance of the issue to Taiwan-Philippines relations.
At the event, Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lin noted that fishery disputes have long been a thorny issue between Taiwan and the Philippines. The Guang Da Xing No. 28 incident focused attention on the need for the two countries to cooperate in fisheries matters so as to protect the safety and fishing rights of fishermen of both countries and maintain friendly relations. Minister Lin emphasized that, without the hard work of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, and the fisheries authorities of both countries, the agreement could not have been concluded.
This agreement reflects the commitment of the two sides to resolving disputes peacefully and serves as a tangible manifestation of President Ma Ying-jeou’s South China Sea Peace Initiative, Minister Lin said. Through the consultation mechanism established by the agreement, the ROC and the Philippines will further advance fisheries cooperation and friendly relations.
MECO Chairman Amadeo Perez Jr. remarked that the agreement lays down a mechanism for peacefully resolving disputes that occur in overlapping waters. Thus, the seeds for fisheries cooperation have been planted and the two sides will hopefully enjoy a bountiful harvest in the near future. Chairman Perez also hailed the agreement as a milestone in Taiwan-Philippine relations and the initial step in the long journey toward closer cooperation.
After Minister Lin and Chairman Perez made their remarks, exchanged gifts, and took part in group photos, the reception got underway in a genial atmosphere. National Security Council Advisor Herng Su, MECO Representative Antonio Basilio, and Secretary-General Lin Chi-chang from the National Fishermen’s Association attended the event. Approximately 80 people participated, including representatives of the National Security Council, Council of Agriculture, Coast Guard Administration, Manila Economic and Cultural Office, diplomatic corps, and fisheries communities, as well as domestic scholars, experts, and media staff members. (E)