MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON ENHANCED MARITIME COOPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA
As Strategic Partners, the Philippines and Australia share a vision for an open, resilient and prosperous region where strategic agency is exercised freely, the rule of law is upheld, and sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction are respected.
In the present geopolitical arena, maritime security threats within the lndo-Pacific, and in particular the South China Sea, endanger the peace and stability of the region. International norms and rules are constantly being challenged. It is important that all States are able to exercise their rights and freedoms, consistent with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We recognise that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award is final and legally binding on the parties.
We support ASEAN centrality and its call for the peaceful resolution of disputes, including respect for diplomatic and legal processes without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with international law.
This Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as the “Memorandum”) reflects the desire of the Philippines and Australia to work more closely together in the maritime domain. Our cooperation will enhance our capacity to deal effectively with maritime issues affecting our region and our countries. We will pursue our shared interest •in preserving peace and prosperity in the Inda-Pacific through cooperation in the areas outlined in this Memorandum. This Memorandum will guide identification of future opportunities for collaboration.
The Government of the Philippines, as represented by the Department Of Foreign Affairs, and the Government of Australia, as represented by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Participants” and singularly as a “Participant”), have reached the following understanding:
Paragraph 1 – Civil Maritime Security Cooperation
a. We will continue to work together to strengthen civil maritime security cooperation between maritime agencies through information sharing, training and the conduct of bilateral activities to help address shared civil maritime security threats.
b. We will continue to pursue engagement and resolution of civil maritime security matters of mutual benefit through regional and multilateral bodies such as ASEAN, Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM), and the United Nations (UN).
c. We remain committed to combating transnational crime committed at sea, particularly illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, through enhanced domestic monitoring, control and surveillance capabilities, and improved regional cooperation.
d. We will continue supporting strengthened maritime governance arrangements and institutional capacity building, including providing legal and regulatory support.
e. We will continue cooperating to support enhanced maritime domain awareness.
f. We will pursue opportunities to improve development and management of the integrity of undersea cables to enhance secure and reliable connectivity in the lndo-Pacific. This may include technical assistance, research and analysis, dialogues and knowledge sharing.
Paragraph 2 – International Law and the Rules-based International Order
a. We will advocate for upholding international law, particularly UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
b. We will ratify and implement the Agreement under UNCLOS on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
c. We will explore further opportunities to collaborate in addressing emerging international legal issues and promote the rules-based international order. Areas for collaboration may include hosting or supporting meetings on international law, as well as training and education on the law of the sea.
d. We will continue to support other mechanisms/arrangements advocating international law such as the Group of Friends of International Law (GOFIL), among others.
e. We will pursue opportunities for collaboration in the strengthening of geographic information management as outlined by the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework.
Paragraph 3 – Marine Environment Cooperation
a. We will strengthen marine science education, training and research as well as collaboration in maritime safety, security, protection, conservation and sustainable management of coastal and marine environments.
b. This may include providing new and/or continuing support to the Philippines on the following:
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i. Strengthening management of coral reefs and associated habitats, within nationally-managed marine protected areas through ocean science governance research, science-based restoration and rehabilitation, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and community education;
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ii. Understanding and mapping blue carbon ecosystems, which are critical in supporting climate mitigation and adaptation outcomes;
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iii. Measuring and monitoring marine litter to support efforts to reduce waste losses to the environment while improving circularity, sustainable consumption and production reduction initiatives; and
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iv. Applying area-based management measures to regulate the use of marine resources.
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FOR THE REPUBLIC OF
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FOR THE COMMONWEALTH OF
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THE PHILIPPINES
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AUSTRALIA
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| (SGD.) | (SGD.) |
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THE HON ENRIQUE A. MANALO
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THE HON RICHARD MARLES MP
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| Secretary For Foreign Affairs | Deputy Prime Minister |