Singapore reaffirmed on March 7 its commitment to international cooperation to combat piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia.
Lam Yi Young, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Yoshihisa Endo, Executive Director of the Regional Co-operation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre (ISC), signed a Headquarters Agreement by which Singapore renewed its commitment to host the ReCAAP ISC for another five years.
The signing of the new Headquarters Agreement took place on the sidelines of the 6th ReCAAP ISC Governing Council Meeting this morning.
It was witnessed by Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, and VADM Edmund Tan, Chairperson of the ReCAAP ISC Governing Council, Philippines Governor to ReCAAP ISC. VADM Edmund Tan is also the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard.
“As a global hub port and a major flag state, Singapore is committed to combating piracy and armed robbery at sea. This new Headquarters Agreement will enable the ReCAAP ISC to strengthen its partnership with government and industry towards safe and secure shipping in Asia,” said Minister Lui.
Launched here in 2006, the ReCAAP ISC has established itself as an authority on incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia. In addition to facilitating the prompt exchange of information between ReCAAP Focal Points, the ReCAAP ISC also contributes to anti-piracy capacity building in Asia and actively engages the industry on measures to prevent attacks of piracy.
VADM Edmund Tan thanked the Singapore Government for its continuous support to host the ReCAAP ISC in Singapore. He called on Contracting Parties of the ReCAAP to chart the way ahead for these combine efforts to bear more fruits, and to bring the ReCAAP ISC to a new height.
The ReCAAP is open to any State with a stake in ensuring the security of merchant shipping in Asia and has welcomed four new members in recent years. Lam Yi Young is confident that the growing interest in ReCAAP and the signing of the Headquarters Agreement for a further five years will send a clear signal that the governments are committed to co-operation against piracy.
“The signing of the Headquarters Agreement today avails both government and industry stakeholders added opportunities for strengthening co-operation towards ensuring safe and secure waterways for international shipping in Asia,” said Lam.
“We are grateful for the multilateral efforts; and the increasing co-operation with our Partner Organisations and the maritime stakeholders. I will continue to lead the ReCAAP ISC and together we will aim to bring about a safer sea for all,” said Endo.
