In addition, we will discuss the issue of piracy at sea."
Padang (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Ade Supandi revealed his plans to discuss efforts to settle the South China Sea dispute at the ongoing 15th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) 2016 here on Wednesday.

"The WPNS is a forum of the naval chiefs of staff of 27 countries to discuss matters related to maritime security," Supandi remarked after opening the symposium here on Wednesday.

Therefore, the discussion was relevant to the theme of the two-day symposium, which will end on Thursday, he stated.

"We hope that the discussion involving the countries would result in the formulation of a policy to settle the dispute," he noted.

Supandi further revealed that during the symposium, he will also discuss matters related to Indonesias borders with neighboring countries and the efforts to settle conflicts that may arise in these areas.

"In addition, we will discuss the issue of piracy at sea," he remarked.

The symposium brings together representatives from 25 countries comprising 20 member states, two would-be member nations, and three observer countries.

The countries participating in the event include China, Singapore, the United States, Australia, France, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Peru, New Zealand, and Canada.

The event is aimed at forging cooperation among the naval forces of WPNS member states in conducting maritime operations.

(Reported by Agung Pambudi/Uu.S012/B/KR-BSR/O001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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