VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

EU Ambassador to ASEAN Igor Driesmans said the European Union rejects the militarization of the South China Sea and called on all parties to exercise restraint in the disputed waters.

"The result of the ASEAN and European Union ministerial meeting on Tuesday (12/1) is that the European Union emphasizes the importance of non-militarization and self-control regarding the South China Sea," said Igor Driesmans at a press conference in Jakarta, Wednesday.

He said it was important for all parties to follow the principles of non-militarization and self-control in dealing with tensions in the South China Sea.

The European Union underlines the importance of implementing the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

"As well as freedom of navigation and flight in the South China Sea, "said Ambassador Igor.

The European Union, he continued, encourages negotiations towards preliminary conclusions of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

"The European Union also encourages peaceful resolutions to resolve disputes in the South China Sea," he said.

Regarding the ASEAN and European Union ministerial meeting on Tuesday (1/12), Ambassador Igor said that the European Union and ASEAN also agreed to enhance dialogue partnerships as an effort to improve communication between leaders.

"The European Union and ASEAN will form stronger ties and create opportunities for more engagement among leaders. Currently, the European Union and ASEAN do not have regular meetings between leaders," he said.

Ambassador Igor revealed that a strong ASEAN is important for the European Union in supporting multilateralism and can bring stability to Asia and the rest of the world. (Antaranews)