29 Navies, including the Colombian Navy, gathered in Quingdao – China, to participate in the 19th Naval Symposium of the Western Pacific, considered one of the most important at the international level.
On behalf of the country, the Commander of the Colombian Navy, Admiral Francisco Cubides Granados, participated in the nineteenth Western Pacific Naval Symposium – WPNS, which was held in the port city of Quingdao – China, on April 21 and 24, 2024.
This naval conference, considered one of the most important at the international level, brings together the Navies of the Western Pacific every two years since 1988, with the purpose of discussing and carrying out maritime initiatives and issues of mutual interest, increasing cooperation and the ability to operate jointly.
29 countries participated in this nineteenth edition, including Australia, Cambodia, Chile, Fiji, Indonesia, India, Japan, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and Russia, who spoke about the fight against transnational organized crime, the protection of living and non-living resources at sea, disaster prevention and response, climate change, Science, Technology and Innovation, among other topics.
Within the framework of the symposium, the commander of the Colombian Navy, Admiral Francisco Cubides Granados, presented "Maintenance of Maritime Security in the traditional and non-traditional domains: The case of the Colombian Navy", where he highlighted the commitment of the Naval Institution to defend the sovereignty, independence and integrity of the nation, as well as working to increase the comprehensive maritime and river security in its seas, insular areas, coasts and rivers.
Additionally, the Commander of the Colombian Navy held bilateral meetings with the leaders of the Navies of Canada, China, South Korea, the United States, France and Peru, with whom he exchanged information, strengthened ties of partnership and trust; in the same way the works to promote the establishment and maintenance of maritime communication lines.
It should be noted that, in 2022, the Colombian Navy was recognized as a new full member of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, within the framework of the eighteenth one that was held in Yokohama - Japan. This action represented an opportunity for the country, leading it to strengthen diplomatic relations with the main activities of the world.
By participating in these international events, the Colombian Navy strengthens the quality and effectiveness of cooperation with allied countries, for the benefit of security and peace in the Pacific region.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
