MOSCOW: EU and Indonesian specialists have gathered for a two-day International Experts’ Meeting in Jakarta to exchange expertise and further develop existing policies on the regulation of underwater drones, the EU Mission to Indonesia said on Wednesday (June 26), reported Sputnik.
"In a significant step towards ensuring the responsible and sustainable use of underwater drones, participants from Indonesia and the European Union convened at the International Experts’ Meeting on the Regulatory Framework for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). The activity brought together leading professionals from the government, the industry and academia to address the pressing need for a comprehensive regulatory framework that balances innovation with regulation," the mission said in a statement.
During the meeting, the participants reaffirmed their firm commitment to further enhancing maritime security, the mission said, adding that the parties discussed critical aspects like the development of safety standards and protocols, environmental protection and meeting security needs, among others.
"I am confident that the International Experts’ Meeting on Unmanned Underwater Vehicles will provide a valuable platform for us to engage in purposeful discussions on maritime domain awareness and maritime security best practices," Indonesian Deputy Coordinating Minister for Maritime Sovereignty, Jodi Mahardi, was quoted in the statement as saying.
Indonesia considers it essential to promote the safety and security of the maritime environment, Mahardi added.
The growing global proliferation of UUVs has led to an increase in underwater drone activities around the world, which requires the optimisation of relevant safety regulations, the statement read. - Bernama-Sputnik
