FIVE POWERS TO COOPERATE IN HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

In the wake of natural disasters such as the recent Yogyakarta earthquake in Java and the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) partners - Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom - have pledged their commitment to looking into better coordination for future relief efforts.

"One new area that the ministers agreed to explore was how FPDA could cooperate in developing capacity for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief work," said Singapore's Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, following the 6th FPDA Defence Ministers' Meeting, held in Singapore on 5 Jun.

"So that if in future, member countries should participate in such missions, perhaps the team building and interoperability that we have developed will enhance the effectiveness of the relief work."

Mr Teo added that this plan for a coordination centre should be as "inclusive as possible" so that as many countries as possible could contribute.

The idea of setting up a coordinating centre for relief operations was mooted by Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, during the three-day Shangri-La Dialogue that preceded the meeting.

Dato' Sri Najib was "gratified" with the response to his suggestion and said that officials from member countries would be meeting soon to discuss relevant contingency plans and procedure.

"I think it is a matter of urgency If a disaster happens and you don t have a proper plan, you can be the most powerful nation on earth, yet you still have problems in delivering assistance to the victims," he added.

"Each of the FPDA countries will have their own strengths and we can leverage on these strengths, and under the auspices of the FPDA, we can contribute more meaningfully."

No decision has been made yet on the physical location of the centre, but Dato' Sri Najib feels what is more important is to draw up a proper plan of action, provide adequate training and work closely with affected countries, so needs can be met effectively.

The other ministers who attended the meeting were Australian Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson; New Zealand Minister of Defence Phil Goff; and Minister of State for the Armed Forces, United Kingdom, Adam Ingram.

After the meeting, the ministers proceeded to Kuala Lumpur for a dinner reception hosted by Dato' Sri Najib, followed by a call on Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi.

Established in 1971, the FPDA has provided a framework for regional stability as well as mutual understanding and cooperation for its members.