(Bqp.vn) - Deputy Defense Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, leading a delegation of the Ministry of National Defense, participated in the ASEAN Defense Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADSOM) which was opened in Johor, Malaysia on September 24.
Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien at the meeting.
Speaking at the event, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien expressed confidence that Malaysia would successfully chair ADMM and ADMM-Plus in 2025, reinforcing ASEAN’s solidarity and collective strength in flexibly and pro-actively addressing regional security challenges for a region of peace, security and resilience. He affirmed Vietnam’s strong support for Malaysia’s chairmanship.
Secretary General of the Malaysian Ministry of Defense Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali delivering the opening speech at the meeting.
The meeting reviewed outcomes of the ADSOM Working Group, updates on the ADMM 2023 - 2026 Work Plan, results of the 22nd ASEAN Chiefs of Defense Forces Meeting (ACDFM-22). Head delegates gave opinions on new initiatives for the upcoming ADMM, draft Joint Declarations for ADMM and ADMM-Plus, and cooperation with partners, including proposed ASEAN-Plus 1 informal meeting, maritime exercises, and the ASEAN - Republic of Korea Defense Industry Cooperation Workshop. Preparations for ADSOM-Plus, the 19th ADMM, and the 12th ADMM-Plus were also reviewed.
At the meeting.
On the proposal for informal ASEAN-Plus 1 meeting, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien affirmed Vietnam’s support for Malaysia’s flexible approach. He said that in today’s complex global and regional environment, responding positively to requests from important partners is both proactive and necessary, demonstrating ASEAN’s openness, inclusiveness, and centrality. Such efforts not only help secure stronger commitments from partners to ASEAN’s central role in regional security but also reinforce ADMM-Plus as a practical, effective, and adaptable multilateral defence cooperation mechanism, he said.
Delegates in a joint photo.
Regarding ASEAN’s expected admission of Timor-Leste at the October Summit, he welcomed the historic milestone and reiterated Vietnam’s consistent and firm support, noting Timor-Leste’s participation would bring fresh momentum to regional peace, security, and stability and ASEAN’s prosperity.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien met with Mr. Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali, Secretary General of the Malaysian Ministry of Defense, and Mr. Chan Heng Kee, Permanent Secretary for Defense at the Singaporean Ministry of Defense.
Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien meeting with Secretary General of the Malaysian Ministry of Defense Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali.
At the meeting with the Malaysian official, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien hoped that both sides continue to strengthen all-level exchanges, especially high-level ones, soon organize the first Vietnam - Malaysia Defense Policy Dialogue, enhance cooperation in training, and consider cooperation in potential areas such as defense industry, logistics, military medicine, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief.
He also suggested further sharing of information related to maritime law enforcement, search and rescue at sea, mutual assistance to fishing vessels and fishermen in distress, and humane treatment of each other’s vessels and fishermen, while supporting each other at multilateral forums and mechanisms.
Mr. Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali expressed readiness to deepen defense cooperation, particularly in areas of strength and needs, such as defense industry.
Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien discussing with Permanent Secretary for Defense at the Singaporean Ministry of Defense Chan Heng Kee.
During the discussion with the Singaporean official, both sides voiced satisfaction with bilateral defense cooperation and agreed to further strengthen it, focusing on high-level exchanges, maintaining existing cooperation mechanisms, training, cooperation between arms and services, cyber security, military medicine, search and rescue operations, and research collaboration. They also agreed to continue consultations and mutual support at multilateral and ASEAN-led forums and mechanisms, and prepare for the 16th Vietnam - Singapore Defense Policy Dialogue to be held in Vietnam in the coming time.
