Visiting Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher stated his position Tuesday on the maritime issues between the Philippines and China, encouraging both parties to “abide by international law.”
“The position of the Holy See is quite clear. Such situations of conflict, whatever they are, first of all, that every effort must be made (so) that any differences (and) conflicts are resolved peacefully,” he said in a press conference in Manila earlier.
“We would encourage parties in Conflict to abide by international law and to pursue those as a way of resolving difficulties and problems with the best interests of all involved,” the Vatican official reiterated.
In the opening remarks of Archbishop Gallagher, he expressed that the Philippines and the Holy See have shared perspectives on regional and international issues, including the development in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea.
“We noted our shared perspective that, amidst the various international challenges and conflicts, the international community must be united in preserving a world where differences are resolved peacefully, on the basis of the rule of international law,” he expressed.
Gallagher made an official visit to celebrate 72 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Holy See and to discuss further areas of collaboration with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.
Among the issues that were raised were the higher education agreement, migration governance, climate change and climate resilience.
Both parties shared their commitments to work together on combating human trafficking and will co-organize “Innovative Partnerships to End Trafficking in Women and Girls” at the 68th Commission on the Status of Women in the UN New York.
“Having both endorsed the global compact on safe orderly and regular migration, we aim to enhance the international cooperation on migration and ensure the protection of migrants rights recognizing the migrants’ positive contribution to sustainable development,” Manalo said.
“The Philippine government looks forward to continued cooperation with the Holy See both in advancing bilateral collaboration as well as collaborating on Regional and international issues,” he added.