VP to open AOMM meeting in Bali

TUBAN, Bali: Vice President Jusuf Kalla is expected to inaugurate the second upcoming gathering of fisheries and maritime ministers from member states of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

The two-day Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation Ocean Related Ministerial Meeting (AOMM) will be held in Tuban, Bali on Friday, and will be attended by ministers from 20 member states of APEC, said Aji Sularso of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

He said that among the participating countries only Russia could not send a minister. No reason was given.

Aji said that the second meeting was held to follow-up the Seoul Ocean Declaration, made in the South Korea capital city during the first meeting last year.

The 12-point declaration focussed on how to improve cooperation among APEC countries in the maritime and fisheries sector including in the area of the environment. The meeting in Tuban is expected to come up with a "Bali Plan of Action." -- Antara