JEJU, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, Friday, 12 October 2018 – The 16th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS), hosted by the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) which was simultaneously with the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2018, was held at Lotte Hotel, Jeju Island. Admiral Sim Seung-seob, Chief of Naval Operation (CNO) ROKN, was the chairman for this year symposium. Minister of National Defense Republic of Korea, Jeong Kyeong-doo was also in attendance together with Chief of Navies and representatives from 46 countries. Representing the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pg Hj Muhammad, the Commander of Royal Brunei Navy.
The symposium was officially commenced with an Opening Speech from the CNO ROKN, Admiral Sim Seung-seob and followed by the key notes from the Minister of Defense, Jeong Kyeong-doo in which, the minister emphasised the aim of the 16th WPNS is to have a better and improve maritime security and cooperation in the Western Pacific Region align with this years theme “Enhancing Maritime Security Cooperation in the Western Pacific Region”.
This year’s WPNS achieved another milestone where the members agreed to endorse the document of “Disaster Response Guide 2.0” which provide guideline and complete information for disaster response and comprehensive section on legal consideration in align with UNCLOS. Secondly WPNS members give their consensus to have simplified version for Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea Steering Committee Terms of Reference to be endorsed.
Other than the members and observer reviewed the past and future WPNS activities, part of the agenda was the observer status ratification whereby member and observer countries agreed and welcomed the Ecuadorian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy to be an Observer of WPNS.
The symposium ends with a high note, officially closed by CNO ROKN conveying his deep gratitude for active support and participation in persuing cooperation and continue developing in order to build up mutual understanding and trust for peace and security.
The next WPNS symposium will be held in 2020 in the Republic of Philippines. Royal Brunei Navy will be hosting WPNS workshop 2019 in April 2019.
