PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo met with heads of navies and coast guards during the 24th International Seapower Symposium (ISS) in Newport, Rhode Island, Sept. 14-17.

The leaders discussed the importance of strong defense partnerships and the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Paparo held discussions with a number of ISS participants including:

• Chief of Naval Staff for the Marine Nationale Adm. Pierre Vandier
• First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff for the Royal Navy Adm. Tony Radakin
• Chief of German Navy Vice Adm. Kay-Achim Shonbach
• Chief of the Navy for the Republic of Singapore Rear Adm. Aaron Beng
• Chief of Staff of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Adm. Hiroshi Yamamura
• Chief of Naval Staff for the Bangladesh Navy Adm. M. Shaheen Iqbal
• Chief of Naval for the India Navy Adm. Karambir Singh
• Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy Vice Adm. Craig Baines
• Commander of Western Fleet for the Royal Malaysian Navy Vice Adm. Datuk Abu Baker bin Md Ajis
• Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy Adm. Muhmmad Amjad Khan Niazi
• Commander of Sri Lanka Navy Vice Adm. Nishantha Ulugetenne

ISS focused on strength in unity. The U.S. vision excludes no nation and does not ask countries to choose between one partner nation and another, instead, the U.S. asks that all countries uphold the core principles of the international order. Challenges to strategic waterways are a global problem set that will only be solved with global resolve.

The strength of our network of alliances and partnerships is an unparalleled strategic asset and our asymmetric advantage.