Chief of Navy at the German Maritime Convention 2023

Earlier this week, our Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat (CNV) was invited to speak at the German Maritime Convention in Berlin. Hosted annually by the German Maritime Institute and the publishing group Griephan, the convention serves to gather the maritime community to discuss key maritime security issues.

During the conference, RADM Wat met with Minister of State, Federal Foreign Office Tobias Lindner (left), and Indonesia Ambassador to Germany Ambassador Arif Havas Oegroseno (right).

In his panel remarks, RADM Wat highlighted the importance of presence and dialogue as key elements of a successful military engagement strategy and how an effective engagement strategy cannot rest solely on the military pillar, but should take into consideration economic partnership as well. He cited the Shangri-La Dialogue and the International Maritime Security Conference as examples of how Singapore endeavours to facilitate "constant, open and honest dialogue" amongst key decision makers "to exchange views, build understanding, and to hopefully to chart a path to a more peaceful and stable future".

CNV also met with German Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral (VADM) Jan Christian Kaack (right).  

Both the Republic of Singapore Navy and German Navy interact regularly through high-level visits and dialogues, professional exchanges on submarine training, and cross-attendance of courses. Since Feb 2020, the German Navy has sent an International Liaison Officer to Singapore's Information Fusion Centre. These interactions enhance cooperation and foster mutual understanding between the two navies.   

Photos courtesy of MAJ Daryl Teo (CNV Office)