(KPL) The 18th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) convened in Vientiane, Lao PDR on 20 November 2024 under the theme “ASEAN Together for Peace, Security and Resilience”.

The meeting, chaired by Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Laos, saw the participation of ASEAN defence ministers, representatives from Timor-Leste, the ASEAN Secretary-General, and invited guests.

The meeting adopted several important documents, including the Vientiane Joint Declaration of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting on ASEAN: Together for Peace, Security, and Resilience.

In his keynote address, Gen. Chansamone urged ASEAN member states to continue consultations and develop strategies to enhance regional resilience and address uncertainties and challenges threatening peace, stability, and cooperation for socio-economic development both within the region and globally.

“ASEAN must remain committed to close collaboration, maintain unity, and reinforce its centrality to foster partnerships with external entities and find solutions to emerging challenges,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

In addition, on the sidelines of the 18th ADMM, the ASEAN Defence Ministers held informal meetings with the Minister of Defence of China and the Secretary of Defense of the United States.

They also participated in commemorative ceremonies to mark the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations and 35th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Dialogue Relations.

KPL