SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Defense and maritime security officials from ASEAN member states and partner countries concluded a weeklong series of maritime security activities in Subic Bay on Sept. 25, aimed at strengthening cooperation and coordination in the region.

The activities were conducted under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity and Future Leaders’ Program.

The weeklong program included discussions, subject matter expert exchanges, shipboard activities and coordinated at-sea exercises designed to promote information sharing, interoperability and practical cooperation among participating countries.

Participating ASEAN member states were Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Plus partners included Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States. France and the United Kingdom participated as international observers.

Rear Adm. Edwin M. Nera of the Philippine Navy and Rear Adm. Terada Hiroyuki of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (Ret.), co-chairs of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security, emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in addressing shared maritime security concerns.

Maj. Gen. Edwin E. Amadar, vice commander of the Philippine Navy, served as guest of honor and speaker at the closing ceremony. He highlighted the role of multilateral cooperation in addressing common maritime challenges and supporting stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.

The Philippines and Japan, as co-chairs of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security, are leading efforts under the group to bring ASEAN member states and partner countries together through dialogue, exchanges and practical maritime activities.

The activities concluded with a closing ceremony in Subic, marking the end of the weeklong program. (Philippine Navy PAO Press Release)

United in Cooperation — Officials and delegates from participating countries pose for a group photo following the closing ceremony of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity and Future Leaders’ Program.