WELCOME REMARK

"SELAMAT DATANG" ... WELCOME TO 2nd MEETING HEADS OF COAST GUARD AGENCIES ASIA, 2006. PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA.

VICE ADMIRAL DATO' MOHAMMAD BIN NIK	WELCOMING NOTES FROM DIRECTOR GENERAL OF MMEA Dear Delegates, Selamat datang (welcome) to the official website of the 2^nd Meeting Head Of Coast Guard Agencies Asia. On behalf of the Government of Malaysia, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the meeting in Putrajaya, Malaysia, scheduled from 20 ^thMarch till 23 ^th March 2006. The theme of the meeting is Towards Regional Cooperation in Maritime Security and Safety. This website will provide up to date information on the meeting and as a means of two way communications between delegations and the organiser.
Director General of MMEA
I would like to avail this opportunity to extend my gratitude to the delegates who are kind enough to respond to our invitation and attend this meeting. We are particularly delighted at the participation of distinguished delegates from near and afar and to those who have contributed valuable papers for this meeting. The aim of the meeting is to discuss effective measures in the maintenance and enhancement of maritime security; related to un-lawful acts at sea in the region covering issues on anti-piracy and anti-maritime crimes in line with the AMARSECTIVE2004. In additionally, the meeting would also discuss issues regarding disaster, relief and search and rescue. The objectives of the meeting are to: Recognize the importance of enhancing countries’ initiatives in addressing and enforcing maritime security issues. Promote greater cooperation among participants in addressing and enforcing maritime security initiatives. Share ideas and identify practical measures in addressing maritime security issues. I am certain that your contributions and interactions will enrich the proceedings of this meeting and go a long way in enhancing maritime cooperation in the region. I do hope that concrete proposals would emerge which would help resolve our common concerns and cement framework for future cooperation, for the mutual benefit of all concerned. Should you have any queries concerning this meeting please do not hesitate to contact our Secretariat. Once again "Selamat Datang" and do enjoy our Malaysian hospitality. I look forward to receive you and your delegation to Putrajaya.

I would like to avail this opportunity to extend my gratitude to the delegates who are kind enough to respond to our invitation and attend this meeting. We are particularly delighted at the participation of distinguished delegates from near and afar and to those who have contributed valuable papers for this meeting.

The aim of the meeting is to discuss effective measures in the maintenance and enhancement of maritime security; related to un-lawful acts at sea in the region covering issues on anti-piracy and anti-maritime crimes in line with the AMARSECTIVE2004. In additionally, the meeting would also discuss issues regarding disaster, relief and search and rescue. The objectives of the meeting are to:

Recognize the importance of enhancing countries’ initiatives in addressing and enforcing maritime security issues.
Promote greater cooperation among participants in addressing and enforcing maritime security initiatives.
Share ideas and identify practical measures in addressing maritime security issues.

I am certain that your contributions and interactions will enrich the proceedings of this meeting and go a long way in enhancing maritime cooperation in the region. I do hope that concrete proposals would emerge which would help resolve our common concerns and cement framework for future cooperation, for the mutual benefit of all concerned.

Should you have any queries concerning this meeting please do not hesitate to contact our Secretariat.

Once again "Selamat Datang" and do enjoy our Malaysian hospitality. I look forward to receive you and your delegation to Putrajaya.