ASEAN navies approve maritime interaction guidelines

The navies of Southeast Asia have approved guidelines for maritime interaction during the 17th ASEAN Navy Chiefs' Meeting (ANCM) in Taguig City on Wednesday.

Aside from the Guidelines for Maritime Interaction (GMI), the heads of the navy groups also approve the ANCM Roadmap 2024-2032, according to the Philippine Navy, which hosted the meeting.

In a statement Thursday, the Philippine Navy said they also discussed the proposed amendments in the conduct of ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX) and the overviews of their future activities.

Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. said synergy and collective work ensure a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Southeast Asia as "the plethora of challenges that we face remain imminent.”

Adaci said he is looking forward to "future ASEAN activities to continue to synergize our efforts toward this security and stability within Southeast Asia.”

ANCM is a premier meeting among naval chiefs of ASEAN countries to discuss and exchange ideas about strategic steps to be taken collectively in maintaining maritime security in the region.

"ANCM has always been an effective avenue for regional cooperation particularly in tackling major maritime issues that shape not just the maritime domain but also the entire region," Adaci said.

Meanwhile, the 2nd ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX) and ASEAN Fleet Review are set to take place in Zambales starting May 11, the Philippine Navy said.

The theme for this year’s ANCM was "Synergy At Sea: Regional Cohesion for Peace and Stability." —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated New