DFA Hosts “Perspectives on Maritime Security” Forum

Department of Foreign Affairs–Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office Assistant Secretary Generoso D.G. Calonge delivers the welcome remarks and overview during the “Perspectives on Maritime Security” Forum on 29 May 2019 at the Diamond Hotel. (DFA-MOAO photo)

MANILA 04 June 2019 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO), hosted a forum entitled “Perspectives on Maritime Security”, tackling maritime-related issues and concerns on 29 May 2019 at the Diamond Hotel, Manila. 

Attendees included senior government officials, members of the national security community, analysts, academics, and close watchers of national and security.

The forum provided participants with a comprehensive review of strategic plans being implemented in different parts of the world, such as those relating to combating transnational crimes, and discussed the convergence of views on maritime issues. Current best practices on the topic have also been covered in the discussions.

Assistant Secretary on Maritime and Ocean Concerns Generoso Calonge introduced the forum and provided an overview of approaches to maritime security and ocean governance, and how it coincides with the overall dimension of national security.

The forum’s guest of honor, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, delivered the keynote address on Philippine Government’s programs and initiatives in reinforcing maritime security, and the country’s strategic position in promoting peace and security in the region.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research Ernesto Abella closed the session by emphasizing faithful observance to the rule of law, legally binding treaties, and international conventions, all towards attaining regional maritime stability, security, peace and order.

Speakers during the forum included Dr. Carmela Lutmar of the University of Haifa in Israel, Captain Raul Pedrozo of the US Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, and Atty. Neil Simon Silva of the University of the Philippines – Institute of Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea.  They discussed maritime security developments in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean, U.S. and the Asia-Pacific region, and the Philippines, respectively.  END

Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana delivers the keynote address during the “Perspectives on Maritime Security” Forum held on 29 May 2019, in Diamond Hotel, Manila. (DFA-MOAO photo)

From left: Atty. Neil Simon Silva of the University of the Philippines – Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea (UP-IMLOS), Capt. Raul Pedrozo of the US Indo-Pacific Command, and Dr. Carmela Lutmar of the University of Haifa, answer questions during the Open Forum during the “Perspectives on Maritime Security” Forum. (DFA-MOAO photo)

Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ernesto Abella delivers the closing remarks during the “Perspectives on Maritime Security” Forum. (DFA-MOAO photo)

“Perspectives on Maritime Security” Forum Diamond Hotel, Manila (DFA-MOAO photo)