By Sim YH –
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, NOV 25 – Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 30th for 2024 between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and the United States Navy (TLAS), ended with the closing ceremony that took place at Wira Seni Concert Hall, ABDB Band Building, Bolkiah Garison, today.
During the ceremony, the closing remarks were delivered by the Deputy Commander of the ABDB Joint Forces, Colonel Aldi bin Haji Hassan and the Commanding Officer, Marine Rotational Force Southeast Asia, Colonel Stuart W Glenn.
Also present was the United States (US) Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Her Excellency Mrs. Caryn R McClelland, along with exercise participants from both countries.
In his closing speech, Colonel Aldi emphasized the importance of strong bilateral relations between Brunei and the US as well as the important role of the CARAT Exercise in enhancing regional stability and security through strengthening interoperability and professional cooperation.
He also emphasized the importance of CARAT in the country’s strategic goal, which is to strengthen regional cooperation and contribute to maritime security, as contained in Defense White Paper 2021 and Brunei Vision 2035, where it aligns CARAT’s objectives with the country’s strategic goals to strengthen regional cooperation and contribute to security in the region.
Earlier in his speech, Colonel Stuart W Glenn emphasized the importance of the exercise as a platform to interact, exchange views and knowledge to strengthen cooperation between the two armed forces.
He also emphasized that the foundation of the cooperation lies in mutual respect, understanding and common interests with the main goal of fostering lasting peace.
The exercise has successfully implemented various activities, including the Subject Expert Exchange Program (SMEE), operational training and community relations programs where it aims to increase collaboration, build professional skills and strengthen relationships between exercise participants including contributions to the community.
The success of the exercise reflects the joint dedication of ABDB and TLAS towards improving maritime security and regional stability.
