International trade depends on secure shipping corridors. For trading nations like Netherlands and Singapore, safe and open sea lanes are essential to keeping global supply chains moving between Europe and Asia.

As maritime security risks become more complex and interconnected, closer cooperation between nations is increasingly important.  

The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre (ISC) in Singapore plays a key role in this effort. This multilateral initiative provides a platform for countries and stakeholders to share information and coordinate responses. The Netherlands was among the early supporters of this initiative, joining ReCAAP in 2010 as the second non-Asian country to do so.  

On 13 March 2026, The Netherlands was represented at the ReCAAP ISC 20th Anniversary Symposium by Governor for the Netherlands, Mr Bastiaan Maltha (second from right above), and Ambassador Anneke Adema.

At the event, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Transport and Law, Mr Murali Pillai SC, noted that “our shared beliefs and efforts to share information and coordinate responses demonstrate what nations can achieve when they choose cooperation over isolation”.

Governor Maltha echoed this sentiment, stating that “secure and open sea lanes are vital for international trade and for the strong economic ties between Europe and Asia.” 

See more photos here and watch our interview with Govenor Maltha here.