Singapore to be observer at launch of trilateral patrols

SINGAPORE: Singapore will be attending the launching ceremony of the Trilateral Maritime Patrols (TMP) by Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines in Tarakan, Indonesia on June 19 as an observer at the invitation of the three member states of the joint patrols.

Singapore Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman will be representing Minister of Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the ceremony.

In a statement yesterday, Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said the republic is supportive of the littoral states’ efforts to enhance regional maritime security and counter-terrorism cooperation under the TMP by Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The Ministry said it has offered Singapore Armed Forces’ Information Fusion Centre (IFC)’s to assist and facilitate maritime information sharing for the TMP.

The IFC has linkages to around 70 operations centres from over 35 countries, and currently hosts 16 International Liaison Officers from countries such as Australia, Brunei, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, United Kingdom and the United States, allowing better regional coordination against maritime threats.

While in Tarakan, Dr Maliki will also be meeting the Defence Ministers from the countries attending the ceremony to discuss regional counter-terrorism efforts and cooperation.

Besides Singapore, Brunei is also invited as an observer at the invitation of the three member states of the joint patrols. - Bernama