Bali: A multilateral naval exercise involving 39 countries, including Trkiye, commenced on Sunday in Indonesia's island province of Bali. The week-long Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2025 will continue through Saturday, featuring 34 foreign and 18 Indonesian Navy warships.

According to Anadolu Agency, the event is themed 'Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability' and marks the fifth edition of this biennial exercise. It began with a fleet review, where participating nations showcased their naval capabilities, including warships, helicopters, and aircraft. The event also included performances by Indonesian navy personnel and local performers, as seen in a livestream by the Indonesian Navy.

In his opening remarks, Adm. Muhammad Ali, chief of staff of the Indonesian Navy, stated that the exercise aims to strengthen maritime cooperation among participating nations, with a focus on humanitarian issues and disaster relief drills both on land and at sea. He noted that evolving maritime security challenges require a shared resolve and increased collaboration by the participating navies.

This year's drill includes various naval exercises alongside an officer exchange forum, bilateral meetings between naval forces, an international maritime security symposium, a defense exhibition, and cultural parades. First launched in 2014, MNEK is a non-combat military exercise organized by the Indonesian Navy to promote maritime cooperation among friendly nations.