The Philippine Navy has started the planning for a big military exercise with neighboring countries designed to improve the interoperability and cooperation among the naval forces in the region.
Commodore Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Chief of Naval Staff, said the three-day initial planning conference for the second ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX) next year was attended by representatives from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The meeting was held from Sept. 21-23 at The Heritage Hotel in Pasay City.
Ezpeleta lauded the positive turnout and solid commitment of foreign delegates, manifesting their continued support and cooperation which make the collaboration always fruitful.
“The waters that surround our countries unite us as a regional community, sharing common interests and concerns. Hence, cooperation and mutual understanding are critical for us to ensure that our role as protectors of the seas and the common good are magnified,” he said.
The PH Navy’s hosting of the 2nd AMNEX is in conjunction with its hosting of the 17th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting in April next year.
The concept of said exercise was introduced by the Royal Thai Navy during the 8th ANCM in 2014 with the inaugural exercise held in 2017. It aims to respond to common regional maritime challenges through interoperability, responsiveness, and readiness.
"This activity is a significant feat for the PN in its resolve to strengthen relationship, enhance understanding, and promote centrality and cooperation toward a peaceful and stable ASEAN region," said Ezpleta.