Minister calls for multi-faceted response to counter
maritime security threat
Minister of State for Defence Cedric Foo has warned that threats to
maritime security, whether through the shutting down of ports or
major waterways, could paralyse the international economy.
And given the complex nature of the challenges ahead, a
multi-faceted response is needed.
Opening a conference on maritime security in Singapore this
morning, Mr Foo stressed that the issue (of maritime security)
takes on an added dimension of importance in this region.
Some of the world's most important shipping lanes and trade routes
straddle Southeast Asia.
And the Malacca and Singapore straits, as a natural geographical
"chokepoint" connecting the economies of Asia with those of South
Asia, the Middle East and Europe, are especially vulnerable.
Singapore has therefore been encouraged by the growing
international consensus on the strategic importance of regional
maritime security, and the various concrete initiatives that have
emerged of late.
Mr Foo said we need to bring together the littoral states, the key
user states, international organisations like the IMO, and even the
shipping industry and MNCs if we are to find robust and
comprehensive solutions to address the key imperatives of security
and economics. - CNA
