The Philippine Navy (PN) announced Wednesday, Jan. 18, that it has initiated the final stages of its preparation for the hosting of the second ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX) later this year.
The AMNEX aims to advance interoperability and seamless execution among ASEAN naval forces, according to Commander Benjo Negranza, PN spokesperson. This year’s training will be hosted by PN along with the 17th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM) in April.
“This endeavor represents the PN’s resolve to forge closer ties, deepen understanding, and foster cooperation in the direction of a peaceful and stable ASEAN region,” Negranza said.
A final planning conference was held in Pasay City on Tuesday, Jan. 17, where representatives from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam developed a basic training plan to direct the staging of the naval exercise.
Brig. Gen. Edwin Amadar, commander of PN Fleet Marine Ready Force (FMRF) and acting Officer Conducting Exercise for the AMNEX, said the participation of the delegates from the eight ASEAN member-states signified their “dedication” and “ongoing support and cooperation toward a productive collaboration.”
“It is a great privilege to the Philippine Navy to be given the opportunity to host the second AMNEX. I assure you that Philippines will never run out of things to do, from culture, traditions, and scenery,” Amadar said.
“I am also grateful for the support and participation of our ASEAN counterparts towards our mutual efforts in securing our seas and maritime domain,” he remarked.
The first AMNEX was held in 2017 after the Royal Thai Navy submitted the idea for the said exercise during the 8th ANCM in 2014.
The exercise adopts three main pillars to address common regional maritime concerns among ASEAN member-states: interoperability, responsiveness, and readiness.