ASEAN Maritime Forum to be held in the Philippines

The third ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Maritime Forum or AMF is set to be held in the Philippines on October 3-5 this year which will also include the first Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF).

This year’s AMF will focus on discussing the cross-cutting maritime issues in the ASEAN which will promote maritime cooperation for the participating countries.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs this will be the first time that these matters will be discussed among the 18 members of the East Asia Summit.

“The Philippines is privileged to host the third AMF and the first EAMF. Both of them serve as important platforms for dialogue and cooperation on maritime issues in the region. The Philippines believes that countries in the region face common challenges that require collaborative approaches,” expressed Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda F. Basilio.

Among the topics that will be discussed during the forum includes promoting maritime cooperation, sea piracy, maritime security, maritime connectivity, freedom of navigation, fisheries and other areas of cooperation.

“Because East Asia has assumed a significant role in sustaining global economic growth, it is important for countries to work together to ensure that we have a safe, secure environmentally-sound and connected seas that support our growth, economic integration and long-term stability,” added Basilio.