The Philippine Navy (PN) will host the 2nd ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX), scheduled during the second quarter of the year, to promote “interoperability” among the region’s naval forces.
PN spokesman Cmdr. Benjo Negranza said in a press statement that plans were finalized for the forthcoming naval exercise during a command conference attended by representatives of the ASEAN navies.
“A basic training plan that will direct the staging of this naval exercise aimed at advancing interoperability and seamless execution among ASEAN naval forces was developed at the conference by Navy representatives from ASEAN member countries Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam,” Negranza said.
The first AMNEX was held in 2017 in Thailand, anchored on three main objectives – interoperability, responsiveness, and readiness – to address common regional maritime concerns.
The Royal Thai Navy initially broached the idea of an ASEAN naval exercise during the 8th ASEAN Naval Chiefs Meeting (ANCM) in 2014.
“This endeavor represents the PN’s resolve to forge closer ties, deepen understanding, and foster cooperation in the direction of a peaceful and stable ASEAN region,” Negranza said.
Meanwhile, Philippine Navy Fleet Marine Ready Force (FMRF) chief, Brig. Gen. Edwin Amadar, acting as office-in-charge of the 2nd AMNEX, cited the the “strong attendance and dedication of international delegations, which demonstrated their ongoing support and cooperation toward a productive collaboration.”
“It is a great privilege to the PN to be given the opportunity to host
the 2nd AMNEX. I assure you that (the) Philippines will never run out
of things to do, from culture, traditions, and scenery. Also, my sincerest gratitude to the people who have worked so hard for these activities to be possible. I am also grateful for the support and participation of our ASEAN counterparts towards our mutual efforts in securing our seas and maritime domain,” Amadar said.
Apart from the second AMNEX edition, the PN will also host the 17th ANCM set in April this year.