KOTA KINABALU: A two-day European Union (EU)-Malaysia maritime training seminar here would lead to a stronger collaboration in counterterrorism and preventing countering violent extremism.
The inaugural event was organised by the EU Delegation to Malaysia, the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) and the EU project Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia (ESIWA).
The seminar convened 35 experts from several Malaysian security agencies and their EU counterparts representing the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), France, Hungary and Spain, among others.
The two-day event was specifically designed for stakeholders operating in the TriBorder Area between the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
EU Delegation to Asean military adviser Colonel Sylvain Louvet said the EU intended not only to play a more important role as a smart enabler in the field of security and defence, but also to be recognised as such, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
"The EU and its member states have suffered many appalling terrorist attacks, particularly over the past 20 years.
"But during this time, our agencies and institutions have developed substantial experience and expertise in countering the immediate threats of terrorism, while further preventing violence through tailored programmes involving diverse stakeholders.
"I am confident that these training will lead to a stronger collaboration of Malaysia and the EU in counterterrorism and preventing or countering violent extremism. Together, we can continue fighting terrorist threats across the globe," he was quoted in a statement.
The interactive gathering focused on furthering EU-Malaysia collaboration in security and defence, safeguarding maritime interests, and equipping security practitioners with the necessary tools to counter evolving threats in the Tri-Border Area.
Among topics covered during the training included specialised sessions on maritime domain awareness and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), where participants gained insights into cutting-edge technologies vital for augmenting maritime security capabilities.
The seminar was followed by an EU Delegation visit to the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in Lahad Datu.
Esscom commander Datuk Victor B Sanjos said they welcomed this opportunity to engage in peer-to-peer exchange with their EU counterparts.
"Given the range of illicit activities, the history, and the mixture of criminal and ideological motivations involved, this maritime border region remains a national security priority for the foreseeable future. Malaysia and the EU can learn from and support each other in building a stronger security collaboration.
"In fact, we encourage and welcome visitors from the European Union to our beautiful state of Sabah. Our Eastern Sabah Security Zone is safe and sound."