(VOVworld) - The 9^th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM-9) concluded Monday with a joint declaration issued by all members reaffirming their commitment to closer defense cooperation in ASEAN and with ADMM-Plus towards the realization of an ASEAN Community by the end of this year.

Viet Nam's delegation, led by Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh (photo: VNS)

Participants agreed to strengthen defense cooperation pursuant to international law and the laws of each country through information sharing, increased monitoring, and promoting public awareness of the threat of radicalism.

Regarding military missions not related to traditional security issues, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), the defense ministers said the actions should accord with ASEAN’s principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the states receiving assistance.

Participants reaffirming their commitment to closer defense cooperation in ASEAN and with ADMM-Plus (Photo:Vnanet.vn)

Delegates reiterated ASEAN’s commitment to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles on the East Sea, the Joint Statement of the 15^th ASEAN-China Summit on the 10^th Anniversary of the DOC, and be ready for an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

According to Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, ASEAN’s Defense Ministers share a common view on fighting security threats posed by the Islamic State, and boosting cooperation to ensure regional stability and cope with natural disasters including those linked to global warming and climate change.