Yokohama, Japan, Wednesday, 08 June 2022 – The Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) participated in the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) workshop 2022 which was hosted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) with the theme of “Free and Open Ocean for the Next Generation”. The event was held at the Yokohama Park Royal Hotel in Yokohama, Tokyo Japan from Wednesday 08 June 2022 until Saturday 11 June 2022. Representing the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) were Commander Malek Fadillah bin Hj Kefli, Commanding Officer KDB DARUTTAQWA and Lieutenant Commander Abu Qusyairi bin Haji Yacob, Staff Officer 2 Security RBN.
This year, 26 navies participated this year’s WPNS workshop consisting of 20 WPNS members: Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Fiji, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, USA and Vietnam, and six (06) observer nations: Bangladesh, Colombia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.
Admiral SAKAI Ryo, Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force officiated the opening of WPNS workshop 2022 who expressed gratitude and support towards fellow WPNS members. His opening remarks also highlighted the importance of cooperation and upholding international rules-based order to pave a secure maritime domain for the next generation. The workshop aimed to discuss WPNS agendas which will be deliberated during the 18th WPNS ‘Strategic Discussion’ and ‘Plenary session’ on 05 – 10 November 2022, held also in Japan. To commemorate the 70th Anniversary of JMSDF, International Fleet Review is also planned to be conducted during the 18th WPNS.
The Royal Brunei Navy remains committed in pursuing diplomatic means in ensuring that the maritime areas remain amicable and regulated in order for continuous trade and commerce that is vital for all countries of the Western Pacific Region. Multi-national interactions such as WPNS ensures progressive mutual understanding and fostered people-to-people relations between navies in order to achieve this goal.
