Defence cooperation key to addressing regional security issues: Official
Hanoi (VNA) - Defence cooperation plays a significant role in
settling regional security matters, especially in the context of COVID-19, Senior
Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, Deputy Minister of National Defence, said while
chairing the ASEAN Regional Forum Security Policy Conference (ASPC) in Hanoi on
July 8.
He called upon countries to enhance their comprehensive cooperation to
prevent the pandemic from spreading, describing defence cooperation as one of
the most important channels.
Vinh, who is also head of ADSOM+ of Vietnam, suggested countries continue
working together to prevent war, create peace, and build a foundation and
strategic trust to step up cooperation in all arenas.
Besides the pandemic, traditional and non-traditional security
challenges remain, he went on, referring to the environment, cyber security, nuclear
issues on the Korean Peninsula, terrorism, and maritime security, with the East Sea being one of the region’s hot spots.
ASEAN member states should pay attention to these security matters which may pose threats to regional peace and stability, he recommended.
Large-scale cooperation and trust are needed to address regional security
issues based on respecting international law and via peaceful means and for
mutual benefit, the official emphasised.
The ASPC consists of three sessions: sharing views on the global and
regional situation and defence policies; strengthening connections between the ASEAN
Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+); and
promoting the role of defence cooperation within the ARF framework.
Founded in 1967, ASEAN has 10 member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia,
Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam./.