The KD Laksamana Hang Nadim and KD Lekir (on the left) destroyers docked during their recent visit to Kuching in this file photo.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia have agreed in principle for their respective armed forces or relevant agencies to establish a trilateral maritime patrol working group to address common maritime security concerns.
According to a joint statement issued today at the trilateral meeting among defence ministers of the three countries, the working group would set the operational directions on the conduct of the trilateral maritime patrol.
“Maritime command centres shall also be established by respective countries and shall retain the overall responsibility for the tasking and deployment of their respective assets,” said the statement.
The ministers also agreed to explore the possibilities of establishing a transit corridor within the maritime areas of common concern, which will serve as designated sea lanes for mariners entering the maritime area of common concern.
Held in Manila, the trilateral meeting discussed the growing security challenges in the region, specifically in the maritime areas of common concern to the three countries, the Sulu Sea.
During the meeting, the ministers also raised concern over the recent incidents of kidnappings and armed robbery at sea in the maritime areas of common concern.
They reaffirmed the need, commitment and collective responsibility of the countries to address such threats that undermine peace, security and prosperity of the region, the statement added.
The ministers also agreed to adopt the best practice shared by Malaysia and Indonesia on their experiences in the Malacca Straits patrol (MSP) as a model for trilateral cooperation to address common maritime security concerns.
Meanwhile, among other issues, deliberated and agreed upon are the possibility to establish joint military command post at designated locations, trilateral maritime and air patrol as well as coordinated activities among militaries of the three countries.
The trilateral meeting was attended by Malaysian Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Indonesian Defence Minister General (R) Ryamizard Ryacudu and the Philippines’ Secretary of National Defence Voltaire T. Gazmin. – Bernama