Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The hospital ship USNS Mercy arrived in Manado, North Sulawesi, on May 31 as part of a two-week visit to Indonesia and to participate in the Pacific Partnership 2012.

"Through supporting host nation programs and activities that serve local communities, we are increasing our ability to work together to enhance military-civilian coordination among nations and organizations that share a common interest in maintaining a stable and secure Pacific region," the US embassy said in a press statement here Saturday.

Pacific Partnership 2012 is the largest annual humanitarian and civic action (HCA) mission in the Asia-Pacific region, with stops in Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Its goal is to establish opportunities for multinational crisis response capabilities supporting humanitarian and civic actions.

At the invitation of Indonesia, military and civilian professionals from partner nations, NGOs and international agencies are working together through Pacific Partnership to conduct tailored medical, dental, veterinary and engineering civic action projects and expert exchanges that assist local communities with a wide range of services that enhance local health programs, build regional relationships, and exercise a collective ability to respond to natural disasters.

Through work with the host and partner nations, non-government organizations (NGOs) and other international agencies, Pacific Partnership will ensure that the international community is better prepared to synchronize and function together as a coordinated force when disaster strikes.

Partner nations for Pacific Partnership 2012 include Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore. Multiple countries often respond to provide assistance during a regional disaster. (*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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