SEYCHELLES AT INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM 2011, "Anti Piracy Concept"

The Seychelles People`s Defence Forces took part in the recent Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Workshop 2011 from October 18 to 19, 2011 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Inaugurated in 2008 as the Twenty First Century maritime security initiative, the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) provides a regional forum through which Navy of all the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) couldperiodically meet to constructively engage one another through the creation and promotion of regional relevant mechanisms, event and activities.
The 2011 symposium in Jakarta, hosted by the Indonesian Navy focus on `Anti Piracy Concept` where members discuss issues and concerns bear upon maritime security, with a view to arriving at agreed courses of action on trans-national issues, based upon a common understanding of the regional maritime security environment.
SPDF represented by Nico Barito, Special Envoy of Seychelles for ASEAN during his remarks, shared with the participants the outcome of an international piracy conference recently organized by Seychelles on 06 to 09 September 2011 and attended by representatives of Somalia fromthe Transitional Federal Government of Puntland and Galmadug. Seychelles reaffirm its commitments to combat piracy towards deterrent effect, as Seychelles tourism economy is much affected by the ocean security. Mr.Barito reiteratesthat combating piracy is not just about the code of conduct, database and capacity building. Economy is a more sensitive issue in regards to piracy. Allocating fund to developed countries to change mind-set should be taken into consideration and the essence to invite the business sector, the insurance group into the discussion. Participants agreed upon it and Indonesian delegation showed their effort in the strengthening the economic life of people living along the coastlines.
Seychelles People’s Defence Forces convey its gratitude to the Indonesian Navy for hosting the event and added that the workshop has been very fruitful and has improved mutual understanding between the IONS member and observer.Seychelles calls the members countries present to joint hands in securing the oceanic resilience towards the nations sovereignty.
All participant navies reaffirmed commitment to advance the special friendship and co-operation between the navies in the region.
All participant navies agreed to work towards the signing of the IONS Charter of Business during IONS Symposium in South Africa in April 2012.