02 May 2016- In a meeting in Moscow on April 26, Undersecretary of Defense Natalio C. Ecarma III told a gathering of defense ministers from ASEAN member states and Russia that Russia, with its global stature and wide experience in conflict prevention and management, can significantly contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the Asia Pacific.

Undersecretary Ecarma made this statement in his remarks at the Informal Meeting of the Defense Ministers of ASEAN and Russia.  The Undersecretary represented Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin at the meeting.

“The Philippines believes that Russia can be a strong voice for moderation and peace in a region that is at risk of spiraling into instability,” Undersecretary Ecarma said.

Referring specifically to the South China Sea issue, which is a major concern for the Philippines and the rest of the region, the Undersecretary stressed “The possibility of these multi-actor maritime disputes escalating into actual conflict is real. And its consequences would be dire for everyone. Conflict will undo the major strides we have made and deny us a future of prosperity that is ours for the taking.”

Undersecretary Ecarma urged all stakeholders to support efforts towards the peaceful settlement of these disputes in accordance with international law, including the international arbitration instituted by the Philippines, after exhausting all other reasonable means.

The Undersecretary also pointed out that Russia can be an important partner for the Philippines and ASEAN other security issues, like natural disasters.

“Our experience in the aftermath of Haiyan shows that a timely and coordinated international response saves lives. It likewise facilitates the rebuilding of broken communities. We remember with deep appreciation the generous assistance we received from Russia and our ASEAN neighbors during that difficult time,” Undersecretary Ecarma said.

Another area for cooperation, according to Undersecretary Ecarma, is in the fight against terrorism.  He said the Philippines is open to cooperating with the Russian Ministry of Defense through education and training exchanges on counter-terrorism operations.

“Russia’s own experience in combating terrorism and extremism, within and outside its borders, could give us fresh perspectives on how to deal with these challenges more effectively,” he added.

During the meeting, Undersecretary Ecarma also emphasized that the Philippines considers Russia a partner for peace and security, and that “we are confident that in working together we can make our region more secure and prosperous thus fulfilling the promise of the 21st century being ours -- the Asian Century.”

While in Moscow, Undersecretary Ecarma also had a separate meeting with Lao Defense Minister Lieutenant General Sengnuan Xayalath, the current chair of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM).  The two officials discussed expansion of defense cooperation even before a formal agreement could be concluded.  The Undersecretary committed the full support of the Philippines for Lao’s chairmanship. The Lao Defense Minister in turn also expressed the full support of Laos for the Philippine chairmanship of the ADMM next year. END.