The retreat ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting was held in Hanoi on October 11 to prepare for the first ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting plus (ADMM ) scheduled for October 12.

Photo: VNA

ASEAN defence ministers heard reports from the ASEAN Secretariat on the development situation and compared notes on regional security and other issues of other common concerns as well as agendas and ADMM  documents.

The ADMM, under the theme “Strategic Cooperation for Peace, Stability and Regional Development”, will involve defence ministers from 10 ASEAN countries and eight partners.

In his speech, Minister of National Defence Phung Quang Thanh emphasised the need to build a cooperative mechanism at defence ministerial level to maintain peace and common security against the increasing threat of non-traditional security.

Vietnam has made thorough preparations for the ADMM  to make it a great success, Mr Thanh noted.

The same day, Mr Thanh received US Defense Secretary Robert Gates who is visiting Vietnam for the ADMM  scheduled for October 12.

Mr Thanh praised the US Defence Secretary’s participation in the ADMM  and expressed his belief both sides will work closely to boost bilateral cooperation in national defence and contribute to the success of the ADMM .

Mr Robert Gates spoke highly of the role Vietnam played as ASEAN Chair and ADMM  Chair while saying the ADMM  will give the US a chance to promote national defense cooperation with ASEAN countries, including Vietnam.

On the occasion, Mr Gates sent condolences from the US Government and people to the victims’ families affected by the recent floods in central region. He also pledged to do his best to help overcome the consequence of the flood.

Source: VNN