MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday called for an enhanced Association of Southeast Asian Nations-US collaboration to address maritime security issues and transnational crime.

“Let us continue our cooperation in fighting against illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing and also in combating marine plastic debris and marine pollution,” President Marcos said in his intervention during the 10th ASEAN-US Summit in Phnom Penh.

At the same time, Marcos said ASEAN welcomes the United Sates’ active advocacy and concrete projects in support of efforts to combat transnational crime, terrorism and trafficking in persons.

The President also asked for the continuation of the engagement and capacity-building programs for law enforcement agencies and personnel through the International Law Enforcement Academy and the Senior Officials’ Meeting on Transnational Crime + US (SOMTC + US).

On regional peace and security, Marcos said the Philippines is fully committed to attain this goal.

“We regard as of primary import Quad’s assurance of unwavering support for ASEAN unity and Centrality with the view that such minilateral mechanisms should complement the ASEAN-centered regional security architecture,” Marcos said.

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad is a strategic security dialog between Australia, India, Japan and the United States.

The President said the joint statement to establish the ASEAN-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), “is a strengthening of our relationship and will serve as an additional anchor to our regional architecture and to the current international order that is presently volatile and constantly in flux.” (PND)