At the event (Photo: VNA) Phnom Penh (VNA) – The strengthening of defencecooperation for harmonised security under the theme of the ninth ASEANDefence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM ) has reflected a common desire to createand maintain stable peace and security in the region and the world, said Defence MinisterGen. Phan Van Giang.
This is an important premise for countries tofocus on socio-economic recovery post COVID-19, Giang, who is also Politburo member and Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission, said in hisspeech at the ninth ADMM , which opened in the Cambodian province of Siem Reap onNovember 23.
Amid rapid and uncertain developments of strategicgeo-political environment in the world, he said challenges related tomaritime security are catching the attention of many countries, includingsecurity in the East Sea. Maintaining a peaceful, stable and safe security environment and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea is the common concern and interest of ASEAN countries and their partners.
He stressed that Vietnam consistently settles all disputes in theEast Sea by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), complies with theDeclaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and steps up thecompletion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea(COC).
According to him, upholding the role of ASEAN-led mechanisms,including the ADMM , is an important issue. Since its establishment, the ADMMhas always brought into full play the ASEAN's central role, promoted dialoguesand cooperation among intra-ASEAN countries as well as between them and external partners forregional peace and stability.
As a member of ASEAN, Vietnam is committed to taking responsibilitytogether with member countries to contribute more actively to the commondevelopment of the bloc, as well as ADMM and ADMM in particular, Giang stated.
Heads of delegations underlined the importance of the ADMM as a keyelement in strengthening regional security in a strong, effective and openmanner, contributing to building trust. The ADMM is also a practical defence-securitycooperation mechanism between ASEAN member states and partner countries torespond to common security risks in the region while maintaining the centralrole and solidarity of ASEAN, they said.
The meeting also discussed emerging traditional andnon-traditional security challenges such as competition between major powers,conflicts, terrorism, security, climate change and epidemics. Amid developments inthe world, they called for promoting dialogues and cooperation to effectivelyrespond to such challenges while ensuring peace, security and prosperity in theregion.
On maritime security challenges, including the East Sea, theyhighlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea to regional and global security.
After approving the agenda, the meeting listened to ASEANSecretary-General Lim Jock Hoi’s update on the recent ASEAN developments and areport on the outcomes of the ASEAN Senior Defence Officials’ Meeting Plus (ADSOM ).
Officials also adopted a Joint Declaration on DefenceCooperation to Strengthen Solidarity for a Harmonised Security.
In the afternoon, a ceremony to hand over Chairof ADMM and ADMM 2023 to Indonesia was also held.
Held from November 21-23 in Siem Reap city, theADMM Retreat and the ninth ADMM have wrapped up with a series of conferences as well as formal, informal, bilateral, sideline meetings between ASEAN defence ministersand their counterparts from partner countries./.
