Note Verbale of Filipino Ambassador to
Indonesian Foreign Minister

No. 147-01

The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines presents its compliments to the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and further to its Note no. 110.01 of 08 March 2001 on the ongoing case between Indonesia and Malaysia in the International Court of Just: over Pulau Sipadan and Pulau Ligitan has the honor to inform the latter that the Government the Republic of the Philippines wishes to reassure the Government of the Republic of Indonesia that it does not have any territorial interest on Sipadan and Ligitan islands.

The Philippine Government’s motion to file for a petition to intervene proceeds from the desire and obligation to safeguard its national interest, which may be affected by the proceedings and outcome of the case. Furthermore, the decision to intervene should not be interpreted as a sign that the Philippine Government wants to be a party to the case. The Embassy appeals to the Indonesian Government’s support and understanding on this matter.

The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia the assurances of its high consideration.

Jakarta, 05 April 2001

Source: The Philippine Claim to a Portion of North Borneo