ADMM+ to boost ASEAN’s ties with dialogue partners

The first ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) will mark an important milestone in expanding cooperation between ASEAN and dialogue partners in order to cope with security challenges.

Colonel Vu Tien Trong, head of the International Relations Institute on Defence, made the affirmation at a press briefing held in the Cambodian capital city of Phnom Penh on Sept. 13.

The meeting, themed, “Potentials, Prospects and Orientations for Practical Cooperation in the ADMM+ Framework” will be the highest defence mechanism on regional security between the defence ministers of ASEAN and its dialogue partners, including China, Russia, the US, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand, he said.

The ADMM+, to be held in Hanoi on Oct. 12, is also an important foundation to build trust and exchange cooperative resources on security through peaceful measures and dialogues, he added.

Trong said in the present situation, regional countries are unable to deal with natural calamities such as heavy floods and tsunamis, and the upcoming meeting will be a chance for ASEAN countries and dialogue partners to work more closely in order to deal with management of these disasters.

The first ADMM+ has a significant meaning when ASEAN member countries create a practical and efficient cooperation with dialogue partners, Trong said.

Vietnam will not interfere in any disputes between ASEAN members and its act will be based on consensus principles and respect for international rules, the military officer affirmed, adding that the country will do its best to boost cooperation in the fight against terrorism, transnational crimes and human trafficking./.