PH Navy to virtually host 17th Western Pacific Naval Symposium

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21, 2021): PH Navy to virtually host 17th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Philippine Navy (PN) will host the 17th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) virtually due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic from October 26 to 27.

This year's iteration of the WPNS' theme is "Effective Ocean Governance for Regional Partnership and Stability".

"20 WPNS members and eight WPNS observers represented by their chiefs of navies or designated representatives from countries within and bordering the Pacific Region will converge to discuss and address naval matters of mutual concern, with PN flag-officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Adeluis Bordado, as the chair of the entire proceedings," Navy spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said in a statement on Wednesday night.

The WPNS is a series of biennial meetings of the Pacific nations held on even-numbered years.

The Philippines was supposed to host the event in May last year but it was put on hold due to the pandemic.

"The PN's hosting of this international symposium demonstrates its commitment to peace and diplomatic measures that strengthen relationships with neighboring and other countries. Promoting a peaceful Western Pacific paves the way for the equitable and just use of our oceans, thereby propelling sustainable and inclusive development," Negranza said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157310