Singapore is hosting a landmark international meeting from 4-6 Sep 07, which is expected to launch a new framework for co-operation in enhancing navigational safety and marine environmental protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. The Meeting is jointly convened with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), in close co-operation with Indonesia and Malaysia.

Known as the Co-operative Mechanism, this framework represents a ground-breaking initiative and historic milestone in international maritime co-operation, particularly in the implementation of Article 43 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Although Article 43 provides for co-operation in straits used for international navigation such as the Straits of Malacca and Singapore and has been established since 1982, the Co-operative Mechanism is the first-ever concrete realisation of this provision.

Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister, Co-ordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Law, Professor S Jayakumar, noted that "The Singapore-IMO Meeting is the culmination of years of close collaboration between Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, the three littoral States of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. It is a concrete outcome from the IMO Secretary-General Mr Mitroupolous' visionary 'Protection of Vital Shipping Lanes'initiative. Significantly, this Meeting will formally launch a Co-operative Mechanism between the littoral States and user States on safety of navigation and environmental protection. The Co-operative Mechanism is a landmark development in charting a new framework for international co-operation in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. It respects the sovereignty of the littoral States, takes into account the legitimate interests of the international community, and is in accordance with international law."

The Co-operative Mechanism

The Co-operative Mechanism is developed by the three littoral States (i.e. Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore) in consultation with the IMO and various users and stakeholders1. It will provide a package of co-operative arrangements for the three littoral States and users of the Straits to exchange views, jointly undertake projects or make direct monetary contributions, via a regular platform for dialogue, a committee to co-ordinate and manage specific projects, and a Fund to receive and manage direct financial contributions for sustainability. The Co-operative Mechanism is inclusive in nature and participation is on a voluntary basis. It is a concrete demonstration of the littoral States' commitment to engage and co-operate with users and stakeholders of the Straits.

Commenting on the new framework, Singapore's Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Raymond Lim, said, "The Co-operative Mechanism adds a welcome new dimension to the good level of co-operation that is already in place among the littoral States. I encourage the Straits users to take advantage of this Mechanism and join the littoral States in our efforts to bring about safe and sustainable shipping through the Malacca and Singapore Straits."

The launch of the Co-operative Mechanism is the culmination of intensive efforts and close co-operation among the littoral States over the last two years. It also reflects a broad consensus achieved among the littoral States and the international maritime community. The response from the international maritime community towards the Co-operative Mechanism has been supportive and positive.

Mr Efthimios Mitropoulos, Secretary-General of the IMO said, "I am delighted with the progress made so far and with the fact that we have reached the stage where we are today. I am particularly pleased with the launching of the Co-operative Mechanism developed by Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, in co-operation with the IMO, and with the spirit of goodwill demonstrated by all stakeholders, especially the three littoral States of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. I view the Co-operative Mechanism as a milestone breakthrough in the efforts of all parties in enhancing safety, security and environmental protection through the Straits. However, we should not consider the launching of the Mechanism, which aims at establishing and promoting a framework for co-operation among all interested parties, as the end of the road. Rather, we should view it as an opportunity to establish and maintain an open channel of communication facilitating a meaningful dialogue for the accomplishment of all objectives set. I look forward to being advised of voluntary contributions to implement the projects identified by the littoral States."

About the Singapore Meeting

The Singapore Meeting, which is held at Swissotel - The Stamford Singapore, is the third in a series of meetings on the Straits of Malacca and Singapore under the IMO's "Protection of Vital Shipping Lanes" initiative. The previous two meetings were held in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2005 and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2006.

From the first two meetings, there was a clear consensus on a need to develop a mechanism to enhance co-operation among the littoral States, and users and stakeholders of the Straits, in order to ensure the continued safe navigation of ships through the Straits and the protection of its marine environment.

Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister, Co-ordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Law, Professor S Jayakumar will deliver the keynote address at the Singapore Meeting. The Transport Ministers from Singapore and Indonesia, Mr Raymond Lim and Mr Jusman Syafii Djamal, the Secretary-General of Malaysia's Ministry of Transport, Dato' Hj Zakaria b. Hj. Bahari, and the Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr Efthimios Mitropoulos, will also be addressing the Meeting.

Participation from the international maritime community will comprise those from major shipping and trading nations such as China, Japan, the United States, Greece and Germany, as well as major shipping organisations such as the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners. About 300 delegates from 50 countries and 10 maritime-related organisations will attend the meeting.

End of Release.
 

1 Users and stakeholders of the Straits include major shipping and trading nations, shipping and oil companies as well as maritime organisations which use and depend on the Straits of Malacca and Singapore for international shipping or transport of trade and energy supplies.

Attached:

Fact Sheet on the IMO-Singapore Meeting and the Co-operative Mechanism

Text of Co-operative Mechanism

Background information on IMO and IMO’s “Protection of Vital Shipping Lanes” initiative

Agenda and Programme of the IMO-Singapore Meeting