Brunei Darussalam's proposal for a direct communication link (DCL), or hotline, between defence ministers in the Asean and its other frameworks to prevent escalation of maritime disputes in the region is undergoing fine-tuning and will be launched this year.

The proposal, brought forward by Brunei Darussalam three years ago when the country was the Chair of Asean Summit 2013, was mentioned by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in his titah to mark the 55th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday, where he said the DCL is expected to be launched this year.

Commander of the RBAF, Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, in an interview on the sidelines of the anniversary event yesterday also shared that the proposal was well-received by Asean member countries and all of the bloc's members are working towards its implementation.

He said the DCL will be a good peace promoting measure and will enhance defence relations between Asean countries with the availability of a direct and faster way of communication between defence ministers if any issues arise.

"This will help enhance the understanding and confidence between all ministers in Asean," he added.

The commander recently stressed the need for transparent communication between Asean member countries during the launch of the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism Exercise, where he said the DCL is one of the efforts to reach the goal.

Brunei Darussalam in 2014 initiated the first closed-door workshop to explore measures in forming the hotline. Ministry of Defence (MinDef) said the workshop will be a front to shape the concept of the hotline to prevent maritime disputes from flaring up and to promote quick response cooperation in emergency situations.

More meetings ensued in the next two years within the ADMM framework for the DCL which is hoped to build confidence and security by means of an open, rapid, reliable and confidential communication between countries in times of crisis.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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