President Benigno Aquino 3rd will raise the territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) at the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM9) that starts today in Laos.

President Aquino, who left yesterday afternoon accompanied by some Cabinet officials, also expects to hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of the European Union, Poland, Switzerland, Norway and Italy.

“At a time when parts of Asia and Europe are facing crisis and uncertainty, it is important for leaders of the two regions to discuss issues they are burdened with,” he said in his departure speech.

The President said that the Philippines would seek “suggestions on ways to craft a just and peaceful agreement on the West Philippine Sea.”

The Philippines, since April, has been engaged in a standoff with China over a disputed shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

China claims nearly all of the sea, even waters close to the coasts of neighboring countries. Aside from China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei Darusallam also have claims to parts of the sea.

The Philippines and Vietnam have accused China of becoming increasingly aggressive in staking out its claims.

Mr. Aquino will also discuss with EU leaders increasing economic cooperation and seek ways to limit the impact of fiscal crises hobbling some European nations.

He said that efforts should be taken to make Asia and Europe lead the global economy.

The President’s visit to Laos will cost the government P8.9 million.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said that the P8.9 million budget will cover the entire delegation’s chartered flight to Laos, accommodation, transportation, food, and equipment and telecommunications requirements, among others.

Mr. Aquino’s 60-member delegation includes Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. and Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

“President Aquino hopes to further strengthen our exceptional partnership with Europe by reaffirming the significance of the long-standing economic and political ties between our country and the region,” Ochoa said.

He said that Mr. Aquino will highlight the government’s anti-corruption programs and accomplishments in good governance, as well as underline the importance of upholding the rights of migrant workers.

The two-day meeting brings together the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the European Union, the European Commission and the Asean Plus Three dialogue partners.

There are more than 700,000 Filipinos living and working in Europe as of 2011.

Europe is the Philippines’ third largest trade partner after North America and Asia, with trade pegged at $13 billion or about 12 percent of the country’s total trade to the world last year.

WITH REPORTS FROM BENJIE L. VERGARA AND AFP