ASEAN defence ministers at the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Luang Prabang, Laos, on March 5. Defence Ministry
The ASEAN defence ministers have pledged their commitment to further enhancing cooperation and strengthening capacity, resilience and interoperability among the ASEAN members, in an effort to promote regional peace, stability and security.
The commitment was made during the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), held in Luang Prabang, Laos, on March 5.
A joint statement detailed the outcomes of the retreat, as well as the implementation of the ASEAN Political Security Community (APSC) Blueprint 2025.
“We hereby remain committed to further strengthening defence and military cooperation through the existing ADMM and ADMM-Plus mechanisms in order to enhance capacity, resilience and interoperability among member countries, in view of the implementation of the APSC blueprint 2025,” said the statement.
The attendees vowed to maintain the ADMM and ADMM-Plus’ roles as the highest ministerial defence and security cooperation platforms for the bloc’s member states and partners, while acknowledging the interests of ASEAN’s friends and dialogue partners, who also contribute to regional security and stability.
ADMM-Plus is a platform involving the bloc’s 10 member states and their eight dialogue partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the US.
They committed to contributing to the development of an APSC strategic plan for the ASEAN community vision 2045, in order for the defence sector to address emerging and future security issues in a more timely and effective manner, while reinforcing ASEAN centrality.
“We look forward to the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045,” added the statement.
The defence ministers reaffirmed ASEAN’s community vision 2025, which aims to realise a rules-based, people-oriented and people-centred ASEAN of one vision, one identity and one community. It should be able to respond effectively to challenges and remain outward-looking, while maintaining ASEAN centrality and unity.
They aim to remain united by a common desire and collective will to live in a region of lasting peace, security and stability.
“[We] recognise the defence sector’s increasing involvement in cross-sectoral issues, including but not limited to the areas of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime security, counter-terrorism and border management, which are critical parts of the APSC blueprint 2025,” said the statement.
The signatories recognised the ADMM and ADMM-Plus as key platforms in the regional security environment, noting that they facilitate strategic dialogue and practical cooperation, with ASEAN at the centre.
The statement added that enhanced ASEAN centrality in the ADMM-Plus process has contributed to practical cooperation among the bloc’s members, as well as more effective engagement with ASEAN’s friends and dialogue partners.
