Da Nang (VNA) – The second ASEANRegional Forum (ARF) workshop on enhancing regional cooperation in maritime lawenforcement was held in the central city of Da Nang on March 12 and 13.

The event was jointly organised by theVietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Australian Department of ForeignAffairs and Trade, and the European Commission. It attracted more than 70officials, researchers and specialists from ARF members along with regional andinternational organisations.

A representative of the Vietnamese ministry saidthe organisation of the second workshop showed countries’ resolve to strengthencooperation in maritime law enforcement, especially amidst continued complexchallenges.

Highlighting the importance of cooperation inmaritime law enforcement, the Australian department’s representative proposedcountries consider setting up mechanisms for protecting maritime order andeffectively coping with trans-national crimes.

Meanwhile, a representative of the EuropeanCommission affirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening cooperation to ensuresecurity in Asia, with maritime security one of the four priorities.

Participants noted maritime law enforcement cooperationis being carried out at different levels and via many channels, includingAustralia-Indonesia cooperation in preventing illegal fishing, the cooperationagreement between the coast guard forces of the Philippines and China, the UNOffice on Drugs and Crime’s activities to combat crimes at sea, and the role ofthe Singapore-based regional coordination centre.

The workshop looked into the building of commonguiding principles of conduct for maritime law enforcement forces, which wasconsidered an urgent work amid the rapid increase of coast guard forces in theregion. They said common principles and standards of conduct will help improvethe forces’ professionalism, facilitate coordination, and help with themanagement and prevention of possible incidents or encounters.

In terms of the fisheries sector, participantsapplauded efforts by regional countries in fighting relevant crimes, includinghuman and drug trafficking, corruption and tax evasion. They discussed someinitiatives to promote law enforcement collaboration in the sector. They alsounderlined the need to protect fishermen’s legitimate interests while ensuringsecurity, safety and humane treatment of fishermen.

The workshop’s outcomes will be reported to the11th ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting on Maritime Security on March 14 and 15 in DaNang.

This workshop was part of activities toimplement the ARF Ministerial Statement on Enhancing Cooperation among MaritimeLaw Enforcement Agencies. The EU is scheduled to host the third event in early2020.

Founded in 1994, the ARF aims to promotecountries’ dialogue and cooperation in political-security issues, thuscontributing to peace, stability and trust building in the region. It comprises27 members, including the 10 ASEAN member states and 10 ASEAN dialoguepartners.

Among the ARF’s working groups, Vietnam,Australia and the EU are co-chairing the one on maritime security for the2018-2020 period.-VNA