Berne, 04 March 2016 - Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary (Vice Minister) for Policy Evan P. Garcia conducted a luncheon briefing on security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region on 04 March in Berne, Switzerland. 

Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia explains the Philippine position on the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea Issue

The briefing, which was attended by a selected group of Swiss officials, including members of the parliament, as well as representatives from the academe, think tank and media, tackled the various aspects of security concerns in the region such as the shift in the geostrategic and economic landscape, climate change, environmental degradation and transnational crimes. The important role of ASEAN as a mechanism for regional stability was also underscored. 

Swiss officials and guests listen attentively to the briefing

The briefing provided a new and more holistic perspective on the dispute in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea and a better understanding of the Philippine position on the issue.

Undersecretary Garcia explained that the Philippines has always advocated for a principled cooperation based on mutual respect and the rule of law, specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

A lively discussion followed the briefing.END