Vietnam calls for stronger ASEAN defense cooperation at regional meeting
(VOVWORLD) - Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) and Deputy Minister of National Defense Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong led a Vietnamese delegation to the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Retreat (ADMM‑Retreat) held in the northern Lao city of Luang Prabang on Tuesday.
 (Photo: VOV) |
Cuong said, to uphold ASEAN’s central role and strategic value, cooperation activities within the framework of ADMM and ADMM+ need to adhere to the fundamental principles of the ASEAN Charter and ASEAN regulations and processes. They must also respect the independence and self-reliance of ASEAN countries, and make practical and responsible contributions to regional peace, stability and common security.
Vietnam supports the continued implementation of the ADMM Expert Working Groups’ observership program and welcomes new participants in order to make practical and effective contributions to peace, cooperation and development throughout the region.
On the occasion, Cuong invited defense and military leaders, defense industry enterprises and military music bands of ASEAN countries to the second Vietnam International Defense Expo and the ASEAN military music exchange to be held in Vietnam on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army later this year. The meeting also adopted a Joint Statement on ADMM’s achievements in service to the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025.