ASEAN and its partners seek to bolster defence cooperation

Members participating in the event include various heads of ADSOM + WG and defence attachés representing ASEAN member states, in addition to partner countries, and ASEAN Secretariat representatives.

The purpose of the conference is to boost substantial defence co-operation between different ASEAN members and its partners. This is along with promoting the role of the Vietnam Defence Ministry as the Chairman of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM +) during the nation’s year as ASEAN Chair.

Furthermore, participants also discussed preparations ahead of a virtual meeting of the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting Plus (ADSOM+) which is scheduled to take place on November 19.

Upon addressing the event, Lt. Gen. Thang expressed his elation at being granted the opportunity to meet his ASEAN colleagues for the first time since the ADSOM+WG online meeting back in May. He went on to express his appreciation for the full participation of delegates along their support for the country during its year as ASEAN Chair.

Amid the complicated nature of developments relating to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the seventh version of the ADMM + and other related activities are set to be held virtually in December, Lt. Gen. Thang stated.

Moreover, he suggested that delegates work with the most urgent, dynamic, and effective spirit in an effort to prepare for these important upcoming activities.

Some of the points of discussion also focused on the 2021 to 2023 Working Plan of ADMM + and Expert Groups, the seventh draft of the ADMM+ Joint Declaration, and preparations for ADSOM +, which is due to be held on November 19.