Maritime Security
The 20th Governing Council of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP)
April 2, 2026
- The 20th Governing Council Meeting and the Open Session of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), a regional cooperation framework for combating piracy and armed robbery at sea in Asia, were held in Singapore from March 10 to 13, 2026. In addition, the 20th Aniversary Symposium was held on March 13.
- At the meeting, the ReCAAP-ISC reported on the status of piracy and armed robbery against ships at sea in Asia in 2025. The Governing Council reviewed the activities of the ReCAAP ISC in 2025 and its future plans. In addition, the Council concurred on promoting cooperation with non-Parties, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
- 19 members out of 21 contracting parties to the ReCAAP participated in the Governing Council Meeting, and its Open Session was attended also by France, Greece, the European Union, International Organizations, the shipping industry, research institutions and others. From Japan, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) participated in the meeting and conveyed that Japan continues to contribute to ensuring maritime security in Asia by providing support for strengthening maritime law enforcement capacities of littoral states, including through the Virtual Capacity Building Executive Programme (CBEP) held in December 2025.