The Second Japan-ASEAN Ship Rider Cooperation Program
－ A Vientiane Vision Initiative －

The Japanese Ministry of Defense conducted its second Japan-ASEAN Ship Rider Cooperation Program on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Ship “OSUMI” from 10 to 15 May. This program is an initiative under the “Vientiane Vision”, which was announced by Japan at the second ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers' Informal Meeting held in Vientiane, Lao PDR on November 2016. Based on the guiding principles of the “Vientiane Vision”, this program will contribute to regional stability by providing opportunities for participants to build mutual understanding and professional networks, enhance capabilities related to maritime security, and share understanding of International Law of the Sea.

The program was conducted under the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy”. It is important from the aspect of the promotion of free and open ocean as well as maritime security, which is indispensable for peace and prosperity in the region. Japan, together with ASEAN, has been contributing to the region’s peace, security and prosperity, and Japan hopes that the program will enhance the practical cooperation by building capacity of ASEAN as a whole through this program.

Participants are from all the ASEAN member states, including Lt. Dya Mohamad Akmal Waqiuddin bin Mohamad Japin from the Royal Brunei Navy. Details of the program are as follows:

1.	Contents The program will include seminars on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and International Law of the Sea, and opportunities to observe various training activities.
2.	Participants A military representative from each ASEAN member state
3.	Program Period 10 to 15 May 2018
4.	Location From Republic of Indonesia to Malaysia (on board JS OSUMI)

 
（Related article）Borneo Bulletin
https://borneobulletin.com.bn/programme-helps-build-understanding-knowledge-sharing-on-law-of-the-sea/