(KPL) The meeting was chaired by Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. and attended by defence ministers from ASEAN member states and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat. It was held under the theme “Navigating Our Shared ASEAN Future.”

The meeting adopted five new initiative documents, including a concept paper on rules, regulations and protocols for organising ADMM and ADMM-Plus meetings, jointly drafted by the Lao PDR and Malaysia.

Ministers also adopted the Manila Joint Declaration marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the ADMM and a joint declaration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

The meeting also discussed other key issues and preparations for the 13th ADMM-Plus Meeting, scheduled for October 29, 2026.

The Lao delegation is also scheduled to attend the ASEAN-United States and ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meetings on October 28, followed by the 13th ADMM-Plus Meeting on October 29.

KPL