PORT VILA, VANUATU Friday 20 Sept 2013 – The 42nd Pasific Area Senior Officers Logistics Seminar (PASOLS) was held in Port Vila, Vanuatu from 16 – 20 September 2013. Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) was represented by five officers led by Lt Col (L) Hussein Mohamad, Director of Logistics.
The theme for this year’s seminar is Human Assistance and Disaster Relief. Lt Col (L) Sarifpudin Matserudin and Capt Dr Fetty Aliuddin also had the opportunity to present on the experience and lessons learnt on the planning of the ADMM-Plus HADR / MM Ex held in Brunei Darussalam in June 2013.
In the welcoming remarks of Mr Edward Natapei, Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu and Minister for Foreign Affairs, he mentioned on the effects of climate changes including the rise of sea level which is encroaching on land. He hopes that the PASOLS would enable the different nations to be prepared for disaster, thus mitigating the effects of a disaster. General William M Fraser III, Commander of USTRANSCOM was also present. In his keynote speech, he mentioned that relationships made in PASOLS would strengthen the bonds to make life saving efforts, and helping international communication for diplomatic relationships coordination.
The next PASOLS will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2014 where the theme is “Logistics Support to United Nations PKO”. Royal Brunei Armed Forces will have the opportunity to host the 44th PASOLS in 2015.
The Head of Delegation listening on to the welcoming remarks
from the Commisioner Police of Vanuatu
Group photo of the 42nd PASOLS Head Of Delegates with the Deputy Prime Minister /
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Vanuatu
Participants from Royal Brunei Armed Forces, led by Lt Col Hussein Mohamad (far right)
Lt Col (L) Sarifpudin delivering his brief