The seventh Heads of Asia Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM-7) themed, “Boosting practical cooperation, sharing information, security and safety at sea” closed in Hanoi on Oct. 27.

At the event, 17 leaders representing marine police forces from 17 Asian countries and territories adopted the HACGAM-7 Joint Declaration which affirmed that cooperation is a foundation for building capacity at present and in the future.

They agreed that piracy and armed robbery were key global security challenges and reasserted the importance of strong measures against piracy.

Participants agreed to build a five-year action plan based on priority fields and the goal of capacity building for each coastal country, as well as promote cooperation in building capacity among member countries.

Under the chair of Lieut. Gen. Pham Duc Linh, Head of the Vietnam Marine Police Force, the delegates shared experience in building capacity, reviewed maritime security and proposed measures against piracy as well as large-scale natural disasters on the sea, to develop cooperation among marine police forces in a practical and effective manner.

Admiral Ramon C. Liwag, Commander of the Filipino Coast Guard said that the event allowed countries to build cooperative mechanism and exchange information, ensuring maritime security, rescue and safety.

Host country, Vietnam delivered a speech about the current situation and issues of maritime security and piracy prevention as well as measures to ensure peace, stability and naval freedom in the East Sea./.