News National 2016 05 03 Dinner reception on board Russian, Indian Navy vessels
Dinner reception on board Russian, Indian Navy vessels
3 May 2016 Arifubillah Masli National 1 minute, 26 seconds
THE Russian and Indian Navies are committed to strengthening maritime security and defence cooperation with ASEAN, said representatives from the two countries during the receptions on board their respective vessels yesterday evening.
With their participation in this year's ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus Exercise, the countries are looking to strengthen multilateral ties with ASEAN.
In his welcoming remarks, Navy Captain Alexander Potapov, the Chief of the three Russian ships docked at Muara Naval Base, said the inaugural visit of the Russian ships to Brunei is aimed at enhancing Russia's naval cooperation with the countries in the region.
"In the course of this joint maritime exercise, our mariners will get to share their experience as well as gain new knowledge and capabilities. I am sure this will also enhance and forge strong maritime security," he told guests aboard the Admiral Vinogradov.
Separately, in her speech aboard the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Airavat, Indian High Commissioner to Brunei Nagma Mohamed Mallick said that "The ADMM-Plus has become an important platform for ASEAN and its eight Dialogue partners to strengthen security and defence cooperation for peace, stability, and development in the region.
"It promotes practical cooperation among the participating countries' defence establishments.. I am confident these ADMM-Plus exercise being conducted at Brunei and Singapore will strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between all participating countries".
Present at both receptions was Deputy Minister of Defence First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz Haji Mohd Tamit and Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih Abdullah.
Foreign envoys to Brunei were also present during the reception aboard the military naval ships.