Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the Straits of Malacca and Singapore free, open and safe for international shipping.
The three littoral states made the commitment during the 17th Co-operation Forum in Singapore.
They confirmed the status of the waterways as straits used for international navigation. Therefore, the right of transit passage applies under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and customary international law.
The states also stressed the importance of respecting navigational rights and freedoms in both principle and practice.
Shared responsibility for safety and environmental protection
Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore highlighted the roles of user states, international organisations, maritime companies and other stakeholders.
These groups share responsibility for navigational safety and environmental protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
Forum participants will discuss proposals to strengthen these efforts. The agenda includes the safe introduction of new technologies and alternative fuels.
Participants will also review technical projects designed to improve navigational safety.
Co-operative Mechanism
Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore established the Co-operative Mechanism in 2007.
It provides a framework for collaboration between the littoral states, user states and other stakeholders on navigational safety and marine environmental protection.
The mechanism gave practical effect to Article 43 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea for the first time. The article calls for cooperation on navigational and safety aids, improvements supporting international navigation and the prevention of pollution from ships.
The Co-operation Forum is one of the mechanism’s three main components. The other two are the Aids to Navigation Fund and the Project Co-ordination Committee.
The littoral states renewed their support for the mechanism’s objectives and founding principles. They also thanked stakeholders for their longstanding contributions and encouraged their continued participation.
