ADSOM+WG meeting opens in Vietnam

Speaking at the meeting Lieutenant-General Nguyen Chi Vinh, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Defence, emphasized that the meeting is the first step of the ADMM+ in which the agreements reached at the first ADMM+ in Hanoi will be implemented, laying a foundation for cooperation within the framework of the ADMM+.

Along with the East Asia Summit, the ADMM+ proves ASEAN’s important role in international forums, said General Vinh, adding that ASEAN is confident in its goal towards establishing an ASEAN community by 2015.

General Vinh said the first ADMM+ established a mechanism for cooperation in defence and security, helping to strengthen the regional security structure and creating the chance for peace, security, and development in the Asia-Pacific, particularly in the Southeast Asian region.

The most important commitment and determination of Defence Ministers at the first ADMM+ was the establishment of a security structure for cooperation, peace, and development in the region and the world in general, he said.

Vinh said ADMM+ is aimed at realizing the Defence Ministers’ aspirations and determination for cooperation structure.

At the first ADMM+, the Defence Ministers agreed to address the five prioritised areas, including sea security, peace keeping, medical military cooperation, anti-terrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Accordingly, the ADSOM+WG plans to focus its discussions on establishing groups of experts, that will help senior Defence officials make timely decisions and contribute to realising practical defence cooperation.

Participants at the meeting discussed the process and procedures for establishing the expert groups and were informed of the plan for next year’s meetings by 2011 ADMM+ chairholder, Indonesia.

Bilateral meetings between delegations on the sidelines of the meeting also provided opportunities for related parties to enhance cooperation and boost their relationships.

With the responsibility and careful preparation of Vietnam, ADSOM+WG, the first meeting within the ADMM+ framework and the last defence-military meeting hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence, concluded successfully, thereby contributing to promoting the image of the Vietnam People’s Army in regional and international multilateral forums.