New york city: The Philippines co-chaired a high-level ministerial meeting on maritime security and safety on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City, rallying nations to uphold international law and cooperation at sea.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Foreign Ministerial Meeting on 'Reinforcing Cooperation to Achieve a Secure and Stable Maritime Domain,' held on Sept. 24, was attended by at least 40 countries. In her remarks, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro urged the participating states to sustain dialogue and 'call out actions that undermine maritime safety and security, and violate international law,' particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

'The oceans that connect our nations also commit us to a shared responsibility: keeping our seas peaceful, secure and stable, for the benefit of all,' she said. She warned against 'illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions-especially those that risk the lives of seafarers, compromise the safety of vessels and aircraft, and impede the inherent rights of fisherfolk to fish,' stressing that international cooperation guided by law 'illuminates the way forward.'

The meeting acknowledged pressing challenges in maintaining a secure and stable maritime domain, while underscoring the importance of international law, marine environment protection, freedom of navigation and commerce, global connectivity, and the protection of critical underwater infrastructure. The Philippines co-hosted the meeting with Australia, Estonia, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States.