03 December 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to Greece Nestor Z. Ochoa was part of a panel of speakers at a seminar on “Security Issues in Europe’s Southern Neighborhood and in Southeast Asia: A Comparative Analysis,” held at the Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens last November 30. The seminar was organized by the Indonesian Embassy, in cooperation with ASEAN Embassies in Athens and the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP).

Ambassador Ochoa’s presentation was entitled “Non-traditional/ Human Security Threats in Southeast Asia.” He discussed some non-traditional security challenges in Southeast Asia namely terrorism, piracy, trafficking in persons and of contraband items, natural disasters, pandemics, and environmental issues. Ambassador Ochoa concluded his presentation by stating that various governments, in cooperation with the business sector and civil society, must continue to strengthen their capacities in battling the various security threats. Effective sharing of information between and among governments, non-government organizations, and international institutions is also a key component to minimize the dangers of human security risks. Finally, Ambassador Ochoa mentioned that Southeast Asia and Europe can deepen cooperation through existing fora such as the ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations, the Asia Europe Meeting, and the ASEAN Regional Forum.

Other speakers in the panel were Dr. Athanasios Drougos, a security analyst in Athens, who discussed the western perspectives on asymmetric threats in Southeast Asia. The third speaker was Dr. Nikitas Nikitakos of the University of the Aegean, who talked about maritime security and piracy issues. The fourth and last speaker was Mr. Triantaphyllos Karantrantos, a lecturer at the National Security School in Athens. He delivered a presentation on climate change, natural disasters, immigrants, and refugees. END