Singapore has reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability and security through strengthened cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on maritime security.
The move comes amid rising concerns about piracy, armed robbery, and illegal fishing in Southeast Asia. According to a recent report by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), there were 121 reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Southeast Asia in 2022, resulting in significant losses for vessel owners and operators.
To address these challenges, Singapore has been actively engaging with ASEAN member states on maritime security issues. In a meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand, last week, Singapore's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, S. Iswaran, emphasized the importance of cooperation in addressing common threats to regional maritime security.
"We recognize that piracy and armed robbery are serious concerns for our region," said Mr. Iswaran. "We must work together with ASEAN member states to strengthen our maritime security capabilities and enhance information sharing to prevent these incidents."
The meeting was part of Singapore's efforts to promote regional cooperation on maritime security issues, including the establishment of a regional surveillance system to monitor suspicious vessel movements.
Singapore has also been actively engaging with other regional partners, including China and Japan, to address shared concerns about maritime security in the South China Sea. The country has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region through diplomatic engagement and cooperation.
The Singaporean government has also announced plans to increase investment in maritime security capacity-building initiatives for ASEAN member states. The initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of regional partners to prevent piracy, armed robbery, and other forms of maritime crime.
In conclusion, Singapore's commitment to regional stability and security is evident in its efforts to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN on maritime security issues. Through active engagement with regional partners and a commitment to capacity-building initiatives, Singapore is working to enhance the security of Southeast Asia's vital maritime trade routes.
<font color="blue">Sources:</font>
<a href="https://www.mfa.gov.sg/press-statement/recent-press-statements.html">Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Statement</a>
<a href="https://www.imec.gov.sg/en/asean-maritime-security-cooperation.html">ASEAN Maritime Security Cooperation</a>