Asean defence ministers have agreed with Thailand's proposal for the community to boost regional cooperation in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing practices (IUU), according to defence spokesman Kongcheep Tantravanich.
He said Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon floated the proposal during the 12th Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in Singapore, which is due to conclude on Saturday with a ceremony to hand over the ADMM chairmanship from Singapore to Thailand.
According to Gen Prawit, IUU fishing is one of the most pressing challenges the region faces and Asean needs to work together to ensure the issue is addressed in a sustainable fashion, said Lt Gen Kongcheep.
Thailand's proposal on anti-IUU fishing is expected to be brought up at the 2019 ADMM meeting in Thailand, he said, adding that Gen Prawit also stressed the country's readiness and preparedness to assume Asean's chairmanship and strengthen the regional partnership.
Lt Gen Kongcheep also said that the Asean defence ministers signed an agreement promoting stronger levels of cooperation within the Asean community following the meeting.
The pact covers five areas of collaboration including the setting up of an Asean team of specialists on biochemistry and radiology to exchange information and expertise; introducing guidelines on aerial encounters between military aircraft; and pursuing the "Our Eyes" initiative to expand the region's counter-terrorism intelligence-sharing network.