(VOVworld) - The 5th ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) kicked off in Da Nang on Wednesday, with representatives from all 10 ASEAN member countries. 

The 5th ASEAN Maritime Forum opens in Da Nang city (Photo: VNA)

The two-day event aims to increase solidarity within ASEAN and promote the association’s central role in maritime cooperation and trust-building in the region through negotiation and consultation, particularly in regards to ensuring maritime security and safety in the East Sea. Nguyen Vu Tu, deputy head of the Vietnamese delegation to high-level meetings at the AMF-5, said that maritime cooperation has increased in significance and is now a priority for ASEAN member countries and their cooperative partners. The Forum plays an increasingly important role in promoting dialogue and building trust in maritime cooperation. The participants also discussed ways to boost cooperation in humanitarian relief and disaster responses, management and the protection of marine ecosystems, biodiversity, aquatic resources and the fishery sector.