Latest news with #maritimecooperation
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Seychelles: Courtesy Call by Ambassador Jardine and Rear Admiral Mattis on Minister Radegonde
On Friday, 27 June 2025, H.E. Henry Jardine, United States Ambassador to Seychelles, and Rear Admiral Michael Mattis, Director of Strategic Effects at U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF), paid a courtesy call on Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy. The meeting focused primarily on enhancing maritime and defence cooperation, particularly through the ongoing initiatives of NAVEUR–NAVAF. Discussions covered the challenges faced in patrolling Seychelles' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the potential for leveraging drone technology to assist in maritime surveillance efforts. Minister Radegonde commended NAVEUR–NAVAF for its leadership in promoting maritime security in the region and for its continued support in building the capacity of the Seychelles Defence Forces through joint exercises. Notably, he highlighted the successful 2025 edition of Cutlass Express, which was conducted earlier this year under the leadership of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). Minister Radegonde also expressed his appreciation for the United States' participation in this year's National Day Parade, underlining the strength of the bilateral relationship. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Philippines and Malaysia sidestep South China Sea claims, seek closer naval ties
The heads of the Philippine and Malaysian navies have pledged to deepen maritime cooperation, reflecting growing trust between both sides and mutual concerns over regional security despite their overlapping claims in the South China Sea Admiral Tansri Zulhelmy Bin Ithnain, chief of Malaysia's Royal Navy, met with vice-admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta, flag officer in command of the Philippine Navy, during a courtesy call in Manila on Wednesday. He also held talks with the Philippine military chief, General Romeo Brawner Jnr. The visit 'reaffirmed the strong and enduring ties' between the two countries' naval forces, according to a Philippine Navy's statement, which said both sides had exchanged views on joint maritime operations, regional security and naval modernisation. The navies committed to enhance maritime cooperation and discussed future training and capability development efforts. They also highlighted the coming 19th Asean meeting of navy chiefs – to be hosted by Malaysia in August – as a key platform to advance collaboration. 'This engagement underscores the Philippine Navy's continued commitment to building strong defence partnerships, advancing regional cooperation, and promoting maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region,' the statement said. The renewed push for naval collaboration comes as both countries face overlapping maritime claims in parts of the South China Sea, even as China's growing assertiveness in the disputed waterways has fuelled regional unease.
Al Arabiya
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Japan Hosts Coast Guard Drills With US and Philippines as Sea Tensions Rise
Japan's coast guard on Friday held a joint exercise with counterparts from the US and the Philippines as the three Pacific nations beef up defense cooperation in the face of China's expanding maritime activities. The exercise came after Japan confirmed that two Chinese aircraft carriers had operated together for the first time in the Pacific in June. Japan and China blamed each other after Tokyo complained that a Chinese fighter jet from one of the carriers flew dangerously close to Japanese reconnaissance aircraft. Friday's coast guard exercise just off Japan's southern prefecture of Kagoshima involved 350 personnel from the three countries and was based on a scenario of a collision between vessels at high seas, a fire, and crew members falling overboard. The three nations' leaders last year agreed to bolster maritime cooperation as they expressed concern over Beijing's military maneuvers in the region. Their first joint drills were held in the Philippines in 2023. 'The coast guard cooperation is part of an effort to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific by promoting mutual understanding and trust,' Japan coast guard commander Adm. Yoshio Seguchi told a news conference Wednesday. China routinely sends coast guard vessels, warships, and warplanes around disputed East China Sea islands and recently as far as Guam, a US Pacific territory with military bases. Beijing also sends coast guard vessels in the South China Sea, which it claims virtually in its entirety, clashing frequently with Philippine vessels.
Arab News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Italian Navy ship arrives in Pakistan's Karachi to strengthen maritime cooperation
ISLAMABAD: The Italian Navy ship Antonio Marceglia arrived in the southern port city of Karachi on Tuesday to strengthen maritime cooperation with Pakistan and partake in warfare-related exercises, Pakistan Navy's military media wing said. The Italian ship arrived at the Karachi Port for a three-day goodwill visit during which the commanding officer and crew of the Antonio Marceglia were accorded a warm welcome by Pakistan Navy officials, the Italian ambassador to Pakistan and other officials of the Italian consulate in Karachi. The Director-General of Public Relations (DGPR) of the Pakistan Navy said in a statement that the Italian ship's crew will participate in a range of professional engagements during its port call. These include cross-ship visits, discussions on maritime security and joint training sessions. 'These engagements are designed to foster deeper mutual understanding, enhance bilateral naval cooperation and advance operational interoperability between the two navies,' the Pakistan Navy said. It said the visit would culminate in the Sea Phase, which would feature various warfare-related exercises designed to enhance tactical coordination and maritime security operations of both navies. 'The visit of Italian Navy Ship ITS ANTONIO MARCEGLIA reinforces growing maritime partnership between both countries,' the statement said. 'It also reflects shared resolve of both navies to work together for regional stability.' Pakistan regularly collaborates with its counterparts from various parts of the world to ensure illicit activities such as smuggling, drug trafficking and piracy are kept in check.
South China Morning Post
08-06-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
South China Sea: Beijing's 4 core principles held up as route to peace in disputed waters
A state-backed think tank has put forward China's 'four core principles' as a constructive framework for addressing disputes in the South China Sea , while blaming regional tensions on external actors who fuel rival claimants' actions and weaken the 'willingness for maritime cooperation'. 'China has long been committed to managing tensions and differences with disputing parties, and exercising great restraint in disputes', Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with state news agency Xinhua, said in a research report released on Sunday. China would uphold its four core principles, 'which have withstood the test of time' to transform the disputed waterway into a region of peace and cooperation, it added. According to the report, these principles are: resolving disputes through consultation on an equal footing, managing differences through rules-based co-management, achieving positive outcomes through mutually beneficial cooperation, and opposing interference from external forces while encouraging them to play a constructive role. China formally presented its blueprint for cooperation in the South China Sea in 2002 through an agreement with Asean. Beijing's expansive claims over the busy, resource-rich waters are contested by several member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines, a US treaty ally. Since 2023, face-offs between Chinese and Philippine vessels in disputed waters have become more frequent, particularly near Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal and, most recently, the Sandy Cay coral reef.
