MANAGING MARITIME AREAS NEEDS COOPERATION OF NEIGHBOURS

SANDAKAN (Malaysia), Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Managing maritime areas in the Sulu
and Sulawesi seas and common sea border areas needs close cooperation amongst
neighbouring countries, Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Centre director First
Admiral Mohd Rashid Harun said Wednesday.

He said, as Malaysia recognised the need to do more on a colllective basis
to prevent transnational crimes, countries should continue to work together to
find and develop effective and preventive measures.

Such measures, he noted, should not just work effectively on the ground but
must also be accepted politically by all.

"This can only be achieved through mutual understanding and support of all
stakeholders," Mohd Rashid said in his welcoming address at the Working Level
Cooperation Meeting on Maritime Enforcement for Sulu Sea And Sulawesi Sea here.

At the meeting, the Philippine Coast Guard was represented by Deputy
Commander Coast Guard Fleet Capt Rolando D. Legaspi while the Indonesian
delegation was led by Head of Planning for Maritime Security Operation in the
Maritime Security Coordinating Board, Commissioner of Police Yulius Hanafi.

On the meeting, Mohd Rashid said it was aimed at enhancing cooperation in
the area of maritime safety and securty among the enforcement agencies of
Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines.

He said, among others, the meeting discussed enhancment of cooperation in
the area of maritime safety and security of the Sulu and Sulawesi seas and
common sea border areas.
-- BERNAMA