The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, May 23, 2014 released a copy of the newly signed Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundary line agreement of the Philippines and Indonesia.
Based upon the Press Release of the Philippine government, the new boundary line between Philippines and Indonesia which scales in Mindanao and Celebes Sea has a total length of 627.51 nautical miles or approximately 1,162.2 kilometers.
“A clearly defined maritime boundary between the Philippines and Indonesia will promote more cooperation in the EEZ in order to advance the common interest of managing and preserving the resources in the EEZ and in strengthening security cooperation,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
The newly singed boundary line agreement of the “contracting parties” aims to “strengthen and enhance the friendly relations between the two countries.”
Philippines and Indonesia’s boundary agreement opens privileged to Filipino and Indonesian fishing vessels and fishermen thus provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea needed.
DFA noted that the law enforcement authorities and coast guard of the two countries will spearhead in implementing aquatic rules and regulations.
“Furthermore, PH fisheries authorities can advise fishing communities especially in Mindanao the limits of the Philippine EEZ,” the DFA added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs will conduct meetings with various fishing organizations particularly in Mindanao together with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to further discuss details about EEZ boundary.