Vietnam attends 6th International Maritime Security Symposium

A Vietnamese delegation, led by Rear Admiral Pham Van Hung, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Vietnam People's Navy, attended the 6th International Maritime Security Symposium (IMSS), which took place in Bali, Indonesia on February 17.

The symposium, part of the Komodo 2025 Multilateral Naval Exercise, aims to address various forms of illegal maritime activities such as smuggling.

With the theme Stability and Peace, IMSS is expected to help prevent conflicts in the maritime region in general.

In his opening remarks, Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin highlighted that the event could also strengthen and expand cooperation between nations to support humanitarian assistance due to natural disasters.

The threat of natural disasters, such as tsunamis and extreme weather, often results in ship accidents, he said, calling for joint efforts help every country and every ship that experiences an emergency.

Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali stated that current maritime threats include illegal activities at sea, such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, and the smuggling of electronic goods and alcoholic beverages.

Ali affirmed that Indonesia will make a joint commitment with various countries to tackle illegal activities on the borders without causing an impact on economic activities and humanitarian problems in the maritime environment.

Delegates at the symposium also discussed commitments and joint steps to combat illegal fishing and activities that can pose threats to the maritime environment, such as pollution caused by waste disposal in the sea.

Through the forum, bilateral and multilateral cooperation can be built to address maritime issues.

IMSS also offers an opportunity for naval forces from participating countries to connect, unite, and share perspectives to foster mutual understanding on maritime issues./.

VNA