ITLOS President Jin-Hyun Paik receives a book on maps of the Philippines from Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega

Philippine Ambassador to Germany Theresa Dizon-De Vega, along with Political Officer Alvin C. Malasig, paid a courtesy call on International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) President Jin-Hyun Paik on 2 August, at the Tribunal’s Headquarters in Hamburg, Germany.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and Judge Paik had a discussion on the need to continue promoting the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes and the rule of law in oceans and sea governance.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega likewise wished the ITLOS President a pleasant and productive visit to the Philippines in late August where he is slated to deliver a Keynote Address on “The Role of the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea in the Settlement of Disputes Related to the Law of the Sea: Current Trends and Other Developments” at a special program in conjunction with the 7^th Biennial Conference of the Asia Society of International Law (AsianSIL) to be held in Manila from 22-23 August 2019.

The ITLOS is an independent international judicial body established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to adjudicate disputes arising out of the interpretation and application of the UNCLOS. It is composed of 21 independent members or judges, elected from among persons with recognized expertise in the Law of the Sea.

Amb. Dizon-De Vega and Mr. Malasig view the facilities at ITLOS headquarters (All photos by Berlin PE)

Ambassador-designate Theresa Dizon-De Vega with Director Peter Hefele and David Brahler of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (photo by LMReyes)

Philippine Ambassador-designate to Germany Theresa Dizon-De Vega met on 27 May 2019 with Dr. Peter Hefele, the new Director Team Asia-Pacific European and International Cooperation of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) on the foundation’s ongoing projects, future directions, and engagement in the Philippines.  Preparations and updates on forthcoming Study Tours and Seminars for Philippine policy-makers and implementors were likewise discussed. Dr. Hefele was joined by Mr. David Brahler of KAS and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Alvin C. Malasig. Dr. Hefele assumed as focal point for Asia Pacific after a 4-year stint as Director of the China Office of KAS in Hong Kong SAR. END

Philippine Ambassador-designate to Germany Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with Retired German Navy Commander Thomas Boehlke, who is now with the German Armed Forces Command and Staff College during her visit to Hamburg last May 11.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and Commander Boehlke discussed the status of the ongoing General Staff Course offered by the College to international participants, including officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Commander Boelhke expressed appreciation that more Filipino scholars avail of the course on a regular basis as it not only provides new insights for foreign military officers but also helps establish links among them.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega noted that the Philippines has benefited significantly from its participation in the course and reiterated that the Embassy will continue to assist in coordinating future Philippine participation. In addition, other activities such as panels and talks with Philippine participation could likewise be planned. END