Humanitarian assistance and Disaster response was the focus
as Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF) members met
in Kuala Lumpur April 9-10. The workshop
discussed how to enhance collaboration and efficiencies in disaster response exercises. In particular, participants looked at how to
best make use of available resources and improve the quality of the efforts of all
nations by way of a coordinated effort and strategy. The workshop pointed out existing capacities
as well as gaps that need to be addressed via a robust and rationalized
exercise program.
ARF partners
contributed to the workshop by sharing their experiences and expertise. In doing so, participants reviewed lessons
learned from past exercise planning as well as recent regional adversities such
as typhoons, earthquakes and Tsunamis. ASEAN’s
multilateral approach to security issues promotes a stable and secure
environment and it is a focal point for disaster management in the region. Workshop co-sponsors Malaysia, Australia, and
the U.S. are leaders in regional
cooperation especially with regards to disaster risk reduction, humanitarian
assistance, and disaster relief.
U.S
Pacific Command (USPACOM) representatives were among the U.S. delegates and
those of other ARF member nations Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia,
Canada, China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, European Union, India,
Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New
Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand,
Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam.