Manila, Jan. 31 -- The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have signaled openness to adopt a document that would facilitate coast guard-to-coast guard and maritime cooperation in Southeast Asia.

The Philippines made the proposal to adopt the ASEAN Declaration on Maritime Cooperation in the upcoming 48th ASEAN Leaders' Summit in May.

The ASEAN Chair, in a press statement issued after the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat held in Cebu City on Jan. 29, said the foreign ministers present at the retreat "welcomed" the move.

"We welcomed the Philippines' proposal to adopt an ASEAN Declaration on Maritime Cooperation at the 48th ASEAN Summit, which will identify specific maritime cooperation initiatives," th...