Addressing the meeting, themed “Synergy at Sea: Regional Cohesion for Peace and Stability,” Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci, Chief of the host navy welcomed delegations from ASEAN navies and expressed the Philippine Navy’s honor to host ANCM-17, the ASEAN Fleet Review (AFR), and the second ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX 2-2023).
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Chiefs of navies and other head delegates to ANCM-17 in a joint photo |
The Philippine Navy chief stressed the long-term importance of the ANCM mechanism in regional cooperation, especially in addressing major maritime issues. Such mechanism, according to the host chief, has not only shaped the maritime domain but also helped shape the entire region. Furthermore, it is also a platform to help promote trust building between the navies of ASEAN countries.
Therefore, the participation of chiefs of ASEAN navies is not only a typical testament to the good defense and naval relations between ASEAN countries, but also contributes to strengthening regional linkages.
The Philippine official said that ANCM is a mechanism for the navies of different countries to share valuable experience and show off the unique cultural identity of each country, thereby strengthening regional relations and cooperation. This is a factor that helps the navies of ASEAN countries work together to promote cohesion, peace and stability in the region.
Given that the plenary session is the highlight of the ANCM-17’s agenda, Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci believed that many cooperation initiatives in line with ASEAN's centrality and position will be brought out during the meeting.
In his speech at the meeting, Rear Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem emphasized that ASEAN navies should further strengthen their mutual understanding and trust via the participation in and responsible contribution to bilateral and multilateral activities within ANCM. In addition, they should raise common perception of maritime security threats so that they can work together, closely coordinate, and work out effective response solutions for the common interests of ASEAN countries and for a peaceful and stable environment in the region. Moreover, they should uphold ASEAN centrality, share information and coordinate in activities at sea as well as develop and standardize general coordination regulations, among others.
On the sidelines of the ANCM-17, the Chief of the Vietnam People’s Navy had bilateral meetings with his Philippine, Malaysian, Thai, Singaporean, Bruneian, and Indonesia counterparts.
On May 11, the ASEAN Fleet Review will take place.
Translated by Mai Huong