Whilst the situation in the Middle East remains critical, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore have reaffirmed their cooperation. The key straits of South-East Asia are to remain open and safe for international shipping.
Ever since the war between the US and Iran broke out, one strait has been the focus of global attention: approximately 20% of the world’s crude oil trade has been transported via the Strait of Hormuz. Since it was blocked – by both Iranian and US forces – shipping has been severely restricted, and the safety of crews can hardly be guaranteed. The Red Sea, too – particularly around the Bab al-Mandab Strait – has once again become a proverbial minefield since the Houthis resumed their attacks on merchant ships.
In light of these developments, Southeast Asia is presenting a united front – or, rather, an emphatically open stance. At the 17th Cooperation Forum, the three states bordering the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore) reaffirmed their joint commitment to keeping both straits free, open and safe for international shipping.
“The coastal states confirmed the status of the SOMS as a strait serving international shipping and subject to the right of innocent passage – as enshrined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and reflected in customary international law,” reads a joint statement. “They emphasised the importance of respecting the rights and freedoms of navigation both in principle and in practice.”
A few months ago, in light of developments in the Middle East, Indonesia had toyed with the idea of introducing a toll for the use of the Strait of Malacca, but has since abandoned these plans.
Focus on safety and environmental protection
During the forum, government representatives and other stakeholders will discuss, amongst other things, the introduction of new technologies and alternative fuels for shipping in the region. Ongoing projects aimed at enhancing security will also be reviewed.
The two-day forum forms part of the so-called ‘Co-operation Mechanism’, which was established by the three states in 2007 to create a framework for such co-operation. Key issues include security in the region and strengthening environmental protection. Since its inception, 15 projects relating to the straits have been launched under the Cooperation Mechanism. The international shipping community has contributed around $26 million to the ‘Aids to Navigation Fund’, which is intended to ensure the safety of shipping in the region.
More than 300 delegates from over 125 countries and delegations are expected to attend this year. Jeffrey Siow, Singapore’s Minister for Transport, and Ang Wee Keong, CEO of the Port Authority of Singapore, opened the forum. In his opening address, Siow said that recent world events had brought home the fact that open sea lanes could not be taken ‘for granted’. Safe and open waterways are global public goods that must be safeguarded through international law and mutual cooperation. Through the cooperation mechanism, coastal states and their partners have translated shared interests into joint action – underpinned by lasting trust between neighbours and partners.
Video message from Arsenio Dominguez
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), also addressed the gathering via a video message. He likewise drew attention to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz; developments in the region were endangering shipping, supply chains and, in particular, seafarers. Straits must remain open and safe.
“I would like to thank Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as the many Member States represented here today, for their efforts in this regard,” he said. “The Straits of Malacca and Singapore are among the world’s most important maritime lifelines. They support international trade, global supply chains and economic prosperity far beyond the region’s borders. Ensuring the safe and efficient passage of ships through these waters is not only a regional responsibility but a matter of global interest.”
