The 9^th ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF-9) opened in Da Nang on Thursday morning, seeing the participation of more than 50 delegates in total from the 10 ASEAN countries and the ASEAN Secretariat.

The delegates posing for a group photo at the AMF-9

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Mr Vu Ho, the Director General of the ASEAN Department under the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed, maritime security cooperation are always high priorities in cementing ties amongst the ASEAN member countries, and with their partners as well. Currently, there are more than 12 ASEAN agencies participating in marine cooperation activities.

The contents of cooperation will focus on ensuring maritime security and safety, conducting search and rescue and anti- piracy activities, combating illegal fishing, promoting environmental protection, and dealing with plastic waste.

In particular, Mr Ho suggested that the countries actively propose effective solutions to enhance the role of the AMF and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) in promoting constructive dialogues, consultations, and cooperation for peace, security, maritime safety, and freedom of navigation in the region.

Given the current complicated situation at sea, AMF sets out the tasks of reviewing comprehensive cooperation activities, identifying difficulties and obstacles, and discussing even more drastic measures to enhance cooperation effectiveness in ensuring marine security.

A view from the AMF-9

Since its inception in 2010, the AMF has provided a good opportunity for ASEAN member states to discuss developments in various regional maritime issues and concerns, and to promote dialogues and cooperation to address such concerns through ASEAN maritime-led mechanisms.

This event also serves as a platform for government officials from ASEAN member states, and experts from regional and international organizations as well as think-tanks and the academe to interact and exchange views on the most important and pressing challenges to maritime safety and security, including piracy and armed robbery at sea, safety of navigation, marine environmental pollution, and other traditional and non-traditional security challenges.

Following AMF-9, the 7th EAMF will take place tomorrow with the participation of government officials from the 10 ASEAN countries and 8 East Asia Summit (EAS) partners, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the USA.

By LAM PHUONG-Translated by ANH THU