Pursuant to Part XIII of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), of which both the Philippines and Vietnam are parties to, the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Center (MOAC) of the Department of Foreign Affairs will host the 2nd Philippines–Vietnam Joint Oceanographic Marine Scientific Research Expedition (JOMSRE) Symposium at the Orchid Garden Suites Manila on 23-25 July 2003.

The JOMSRE is an emergent phase in the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Vietnam.  It is a cooperative research project among Philippine and Vietnamese marine scientists to expand existing knowledge about the natural processes of the marine environment and resources in the South China Sea.

During the 3rd RP-Vietnam Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) held in Manila in February 2003, the Philippines proposed the institutionalisation of JOMSRE.  Vietnam took note of the Philippines’ suggestion, recognizing that cooperation should transcend confidence-building and attempt to pursue practical and concrete measures to better achieve their goals.

As a regular activity, JOMSRE enhances opportunities for cooperative endeavors as a continuing confidence-building measure for the peaceful resolution of claims in the South China Sea and eventually results in the mutual benefit from collaboration arrangements in oceanographic and marine scientific research and protection of the environment. – END