02
Dec
SASEAN Set To Enhance Cooperation Between SAARC And Asean
The inaugural of South and Southeast Asian Nations (SASEAN) Defence Chiefs’ Dialogue- 2014 in November (2014) was held in Colombo. SASEAN Defence Chiefs Dialogue 2014 came to a close on 29 November 2014 at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo.
The conclave was held from 27th to 29th November at the Kingbury Hotel and the Waters Edge hotel.
The SASEAN forum is a conclave of Defence Chiefs of 18 regional countries which also constitutes SAARC and ASEAN. This being the first session is significant due to its regional peace, stability and confidence building goal setting agenda, and the coming into prominence of the region due to its natural geographical foray into Indo-Pacific Ocean. Delegates from China and Russia also attended the dialogue as observers.
The SASEAN Defence Chiefs’ Dialogue was organized by the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development is a catalyst in promoting security and stability meeting the challenges of the rapidly transforming Asian region.
The Chief of Defence of Sri Lanka, General Jagath Jayasuriya, in his closing remarks expressed that the first-of-its kind conclave helped in strengthening both foreign relations and confidence building between participating South Asian and South East Asian countries. Further, General Jayasuriya placed on record that the evolving dynamics of the region and deliberation on implications to participating countries took place in an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding.
SASEAN Set To Enhance Cooperation Between SAARC And ASEAN: Observers Russia And China Extend Support
Tracing the genealogy of the SASEAN security community, General Jayasuriya, noted that the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) which was convened in China on 21 May 2014 set the tone for follow-up as the enhancement of dialogue, trust and coordination for a new Asia of peace, stability and cooperation.
Speaking on the formation and way forward for the newly established regional security structure, Prof G.L. Pieris, Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka noted that the concept of SASEAN should be seen as a critical means of enhancing collaboration between SAARC and ASEAN countries and communities. Secondly, there remains a compelling reason for South Asia and South East Asia to work together due to the common challenges that its constituent countries encounter. However, Prof Pieris stressed the importance of better organizational mechanisms for achieving the dividends of integration. Moreover, the potential contribution that it makes to South-South cooperation is noteworthy.
The contextual backdrop of the developing world informs the need for greater integration in the region, namely, the grievance that resources and large section of profit shares accrued benefit third countries. Particular aspects requiring focus include shipping, trade, protection of oil, gas and mineral resources, arms smuggling, anti-piracy operations, human trafficking and non-proliferation of small arms. To facilitate a healthy exchange of goods and services within the region, there needs to be a minimizing of barriers in the region, Professor Pieris underscored.
In order to ensure greater regional stability in the SASEAN region, Professor Pieris went on to identify three regional challenges that call for immediate action. These are counter-terrorism mechanisms, food security and energy security.
Recognizing that the inaugural SASEAN Defence Chiefs Dialogue should lead to concrete action and continuity in dialogue, a Concluding Statement was issued at the conclusion of the three day conclave.
This outcome document saliently focused on the exchange of information and intelligence to enable military, law enforcement agencies and other key actors in national security to improve disaster preparedness and responsiveness.
Further, measures to combat terrorism and separatism as well as to address air land and maritime disputes, piracy operations, arms smuggling, human trafficking and drug trafficking were tabled as imperative.
Significantly, participating countries expressed the willingness to build upon the milieu of confidence, groundswell of trust and deep mutual understanding as a recognized precursor to strengthening security and stability in Asia.
The concluding statement is reflective of the participating countries’ collective will to take the SASEAN process forward.
Source: http://www.asiantribune.com/node/85970