Joint U.S. – Philippines Seafarer Anti-Piracy Workshop

October 5, 2013October 21, 2013 Vic Vizcocho 0 Comments

Through a joint initiative, the United States and the Philippines conducted the first Expanded Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Seafarers’ Training – Counter Piracy (EAST-CP) Workshop from September 23-25, 2013.

The workshop aimed to strengthen the cooperation between the ASEAN nations in emphasizing the importance of education to safeguard the welfare of seafarers. It also aimed to provide vital information to strengthen the capacity of seafarers against piracy.

Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay, also the presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers’ concerns, officially opened the event.

(USEmbassy)

Ambassador Harry K. Thomas joined Secretary Joseph Abaya of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications to deliver closing remarks at the Expanded ASEAN Seafarer Training and Counter-Piracy (EAST-CP) workshop in Manila. The Ambassador addressed representatives from 18 ASEAN member and dialogue partner states on the importance of multilateral cooperation to better train, protect, and support seafarers as a part of international counter-piracy efforts.