Asia-Pacific ministers have recognised the need for parties concerned to take concrete steps to deescalate current tensions to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on May 31 hosted a luncheon for 21 visiting ministers and their representatives attending the 13th Shangri-La Dialogue, providing a valuable platform for them to engage in informal and frank discussions on current security and defence issues, according to the Press Centre of the Singapore Government.

The ministers held a wide-ranging discussion on key security challenges facing the region, including the ongoing maritime disputes and overlapping territorial claims in the East Sea and East China Sea, as well as the situation on the Korean Peninsula .

They also discussed developments beyond the region, such as the current situation in Ukraine.

The ministers acknowledged that these challenges will require a commitment of all parties concerned to resolve their differences in a peaceful manner. They agreed that a country’s actions and behaviours should be underpinned by a set of established principles, norms and international law.

They further recognised the importance of open and inclusive regional frameworks such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) as they will promote dialogue as well as build strategic trust through practical cooperation.

They also described the Shangri-La Dialogue as a key platform in generating positive and frank discussions on topical security issues amongst countries from within and outside the region.-VNA