23 November 2011

Brunei: MINDEF Rep at 8th Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP) General Conference

VIET NAM, 22 November 2011 - The 8th Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP) General Conference was held in Ha Noi, Viet Nam on 21-22 November 2011.  The Conference was officially opened by Viet Nam Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Thiện Thanh. 

In attendance during the Conference included Ambassadors, diplomats, academicians and other high ranking officials from across the region.  Brunei Darussalam was represented by officers from the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies  of the Ministry of Defence who join other senior officials from the Prime Minister Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The CSCAP provides an informal mechanism for scholars, officials and others in their private capacities to discuss political and security issues and challenges facing the region. It also provides policy recommendations to various inter-governmental bodies, convenes regional and international meetings and establishes linkages with institutions and organisations in other parts of the world to exchange information, insights and experiences in the area of regional political-security cooperation.

The theme of this year’s Conference was "Dangers and Dilemmas: Will the New Regional Security Architecture Help? " Prominent speakers from various think-tanks have been invited to deliver on several topics which included:

-    Moving Towards Zero in a Nuclear Renaissance;
-    Maritime Security;
-    Naval Enhancement; and
-    Rights to Protect.

Given the fact that the 8th Conference took place just after the ASEAN Summit, the issues discussed are relevant and current in sharing the latest strategic information on regional security and stability.  A Dinner Talk was also delivered which talk about Indonesia’s Role: A Reflection of an Outgoing ADMM Chair.

The 9th CSCAP is schedule to take place in 2013.