HAWAII, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 22 – 25 AUGUST 2022 – The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) participated in the 17th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security (ADMM-Plus EWG MS) at Daniel K.Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii, United States of America. Representing Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) were Commander Haji Edy Jofren bin PDP DP Colonel (R) Haji Abdul Jalil, RBN from the Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) and Lieutenant Commander Abu Qusyairi bin Haji Yacob, RBN from the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN).
All 10 ASEAN member states and eight (08) Plus-countries attended the meeting amassing 71 participants made up of 34 in-person and 37 virtually.
The ADMM plus EWG-MS is a platform under the banner of ADMM that explores areas of cooperation on the maritime security, with a view to addressing challenges presented by climate change and sea-level rise. This year’s meeting carries the theme “Strengthening Maritime Security Cooperation for Sustainable Development of ASEAN Member States’ Economies” which entails a Maritime Security Roadmap Development 2040 and Final Planning Conference (FPC) on Maritime Security Exercise aimed to increase interoperability and build confidence between members. The FPC was convened by Royal Thailand Navy for the upcoming Table-top Exercise (TTX) and 18th ADMM-Plus EWG which is going to be held in Bangkok, Thailand on 20th to 24th February 2023.
Keynote speech delivered by Major General Chris McPhillips highlighted the significance of ASEAN in the pacific region. He also iterates the growth and competitive trade within the Indo-Pacific Region which accounted for two-thirds of the global economic growth due to technological advancements and rapid port development within the region. The speaker concluded with emphasizing the importance of practical cooperation to further progress the current foundation towards expanding the comprehensive strategic partnership through resilience for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Present during one session was Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of US Pacific Fleet as guest speaker where he delivered a presentation on “Security and stability in the Indo-pacific”.
RBAF remains committed in pursuing diplomatic means to ensure that the maritime areas remain secure and regulated for continuous trade and commerce that is vital for sustaining blue economy within the region. Interactions between delegates also ensures a mutual understanding and fosters relations between countries in order to achieve this goal.
ANGKATAN BERSENJATA DIRAJA BRUNEI (ABDB) MENYERTAI THE 17TH ASEAN DEFENCE MINISTERS’ MEETING PLUS EXPERTS’ WORKING GROUP ON MARITIME SECURITY DI HAWAII, AMERIKA SYARIKAT.
HAWAII, AMERIKA SYARIKAT, 22 – 25 OGOS 2022 – Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (ABDB) menyertai mesyuarat ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security (ADMM-Plus EWG MS) Ke-17 di Daniel K.Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, Hawaii, Amerika Syarikat. Mewakili ABDB adalah Komander Haji Edy Jofren bin PDP DP Kolonel (B) Haji Abdul Jalil, TLDB daripada Markas Angkatan Bersama (MAB) dan Leftenan Komander Abu Qusyairi bin Haji Yacob, TLDB daripada Tentera Laut Diraja Brunei (TLDB). 10 negara anggota ASEAN dan lapan (08) negara Plus telah menghadiri mesyuarat itu dengan 71 peserta terdiri daripada 34 secara bersemuka dan 37 secara maya.
ADMM-Plus EWG MS adalah platfom dibawah naungan ADMM yang meneliti bidang kerjasama dalam keselamtan maritim, dengan tujuan untuk menangani cabaran yang dikemukakan oleh pertukaran iklim dan kenaikan paras laut. Mesyuarat tahun ini membawa tema “Strengthening Maritime Security Cooperation for Sustainable Development of ASEAN Member States’ Economies” yang melibatkan pembentukan halatuju Keselamatan Maritim 2040 dan persidangan perancangan akhir (FPC) mengenai latihan keselamatan maritim bertujuan untuk meningkatkan interoperability dan membina keyakinan diantara ahli. Sejurus itu, FPC dibincangkan oleh Tentera Laut Diraja Thailand mengenai tatacara table-top exercise (TTX) dan hal ehwal ADMM Plus EWG ke-18 yang akan diadakan di Bangkok, Thailand pada 20 hingga 24 Februari 2023.
Ucapan dasar yang disampaikan oleh Mejar Jeneral Chris McPhillips menekankan kepentingan ASEAN di rantau pasifik. Beliau juga mengulas tentang bagaimana kemajuan teknologi dan pembangunan pelabuhan telah menyumbang dua pertiga perkembangan ekonomi di seluruh dunia. Dengan itu, belia mengakhiri ucapan dengan menekankan kepentingan kerjasama praktikal untuk memajukan dan memperluaskan perkongsian strategik yang komprehensif melalui daya tahan untuk Indo-Pasifik yang bebas dan terbuka. Turut hadir adalah Laksamana Samuel Paparo, Pemerintah US Pacific Fleet yangmana beliau sebagai jemputan Khas untuk memberi taklimat tentang “Security and Stability in the Indo-Pacific”.
ABDB kekal komited dalam mengejar cara diplomatik untuk memastikan keamanan kawasan maritim dan dikawal untuk perdagangan dan perdagangan berterusan yang penting bagi mengekalkan Blue Economy di rantau ini. Interaksi antara perwakilan juga telah meningkatan persefahaman bersama dan memupuk hubungan antara negara untuk mencapai matlamat ini.
