(FILES) In this file photo taken on April 23, 2023, personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Malabrigo prepare to conduct a survey in the waters of Second Thomas shoal in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea. AFP file photo
MANILA, Philippines — The navies of all Southeast Asian countries approved the guidelines for maritime interaction (GMI) among each other during the 17th iteration of the Asean Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM), the Philippine Navy said on Thursday.
The ANCM was held in Taguig City on Wednesday, joined by Philippine Navy flag officer-in-command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. and all of his counterparts from nine other Asean countries.
Aside from the GMI, the navy chiefs also approved the ANCM Roadmap for 2024-2032, while they also discussed the proposed amendments in the conduct of Asean Multilateral Naval Exercise and the overviews of future activities as presented by those in charge.
Adaci emphasized the importance of synergy and working collectively in ensuring the region’s security, peace, and prosperity as “the plethora of challenges that we face remain imminent.”
“ANCM has always been an effective avenue for regional cooperation particularly in tackling major maritime issues that shape not just the maritime domain but also the entire region,” Adaci said in a statement.
ANCM is a premier meeting among naval leaders of Asean countries to discuss and exchange ideas about strategic steps to be taken collectively in maintaining maritime security in the Southeast Asian region.
RELATED STORY: