ASEAN reaches agreement on defence cooperation

Hanoi (VNA)- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reached an overwhelming agreement on strengthening defence cooperation for a regional stability and development at a defence ministerial meeting (ADMM-4), which closed in Hanoi on May 11.

Defence Minister Phung Quoc Thanh of the host Vietnam highlighted the ADMM-4
success in finalising major legal documents on ADMM+ that pave the way for ASEAN
to take initiative in broadening cooperation with partners in the region and the
world as a whole.

The approval of two documents related the structure, components, formalities and
procedures for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) was evidence
of the grouping’s solid solidarity and firm political determination, the
Vietnamese defence leader said.

The ADMM+ will be launched for the first time in Vietnam in October.

The participants at the ADMM-4 expressed satisfaction at progress made in the
regional defence cooperation programmes, including the use of human resources and
capacity of ASEAN armed forces in humanitarian work and disaster rescue
operation.

Other initiatives that have made progress were cooperation between ASEAN military
facilities and civil organisations in non-traditional security issues.

Thailand and Indonesia were praised as exemplary in making continuous efforts in
undertaking the above-mentioned initiatives while Malaysia won strong support for
its initiative in ASEAN cooperation in the national defence industry.--Enditem