to ensure that our deepening relations are attuned to the realities and needs that have emerged in the 21st century, which affect not only our two countries but also the entire community of nations. i thank president obama for the u.s.'s support four our government's efforts in modernizing and enhancing its defense capabilities. the philippines-u.s. enhanced defense agreement takes our security cooperation to a higher level of engagement. reaffirming our country's commitment to mutual defense and security and promotes regional peace and stability. both president obama and i shared the conviction that the disputes in the asia pacific region should be settled peacefully based on international law. we affirm that arbitration is an open, friendly, and peaceful approach to seeking a justice and durable solution -- effective implementation of the declaration of conduct and conclusion of a substantive and legally binding code of conduct