MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 3, 2012) – The Philippines on Wednesday opened the three-day 3rd ASEAN Maritime Forum and the 1st Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum.
Vice President Jejomar Binay addressed the 3rd AMF attended by representatives from all ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The AMF is envisioned to promote maritime cooperation under the ASEAN Political Security Community framework by serving as the primary venue within ASEAN to discuss cross-cutting maritime issues.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio, who chaired the sessions at the 3rd AMF, focused on maritime security and cooperation in ASEAN.
Experts from international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, served as resource speakers during the 3rd AMF.
On 5, the inaugural meeting of the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum will bring together government officials and representatives of international organizations, think tanks and the academe from the 18 members of the East Asia Summit (EAS) to discuss maritime security and cooperation issues. The EAS includes the ten ASEAN member countries, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States.
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