Singapore navy taking part in first ASEAN-Russia maritime exercise

MINDEF mentioned the exercise is carried out in line with the Code for Unplanned Encounters At Sea, a "confidence-building measure" that features security procedures, communications plans and manoeuvring directions to advertise maritime safety.The code was adopted by ADMM-Plus navies in 2017 underneath Singapore and South Korea's co-chairmanship of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security.The ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN and its eight companions – Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States – to strengthen safety and defence cooperation in the area."Singapore’s participation in the exercise reaffirms our support for the ADMM-Plus and our commitment to uphold an open and inclusive regional security architecture," MINDEF mentioned.The exercise comes after the 4th ASEAN-Russia Summit in October, when Russia and ASEAN member states reaffirmed their dedication to making sure "maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation and
overflight and unimpeded commerce".This consists of selling self-restraint, non-use of power or the menace to make use of power, and resolving disputes by means of peaceable means in line with universally recognised rules of worldwide regulation, mentioned a joint assertion by the nations.RSS Vigour's commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Gavin Cheong mentioned on Thursday that it will be significant for navies to cooperate with one another to shield key maritime commerce routes whereas guaranteeing safer seas."This exercise allows the navies of ASEAN member states and Russia to strengthen collaboration, enhance understanding and build confidence in our ability to address common maritime security challenges at sea," he added.