Dr Ng: Peace and Security in Our Region Depend on ASEAN Working Together

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen attended the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat from 18 to 19 November 2014 in Bagan, Myammar. During the retreat, the ASEAN Defence Ministers discussed regional security issues and welcomed the good progress in practical cooperation under the ambit of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus. The Defence Ministers also discussed the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the potential Ebola pandemic, tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea, and natural disasters. The ADMM Retreat also witnessed the handover of Myanmar's ADMM Chairmanship to Malaysia, who will assume the chairmanship of the 9th ADMM and 3rd ADMM-Plus in 2015.

At the Retreat, the ASEAN Defence Ministers discussed the continued importance of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus fora as platforms to build mutual understanding among nations. In his speech at the Retreat, Dr Ng said, "The inclusive structure of the ADMM-Plus provides a good platform for its members to facilitate the adoption of useful proposals.  We can do so in the spirit of openness and cooperation and build mutual confidence and eventually trust among ourselves. We must continue the momentum of practical cooperation and expand new initiatives that can allow us to more effectively address our security challenges."

Dr Ng and his ASEAN counterparts held an informal meeting with the Japanese Minister of Defence Akinori Eto on the sidelines of the ADMM Retreat.  Dr Ng also held bilateral meetings with other Defence Ministers, including Thailand Minister of Defence Prawit Wongsuwon, Indonesia Defence Minister General (Retd) Ryamizard Ryacudu, Myanmar Defence Minister Lieutenant-General Wai Lwin, and Brunei Minister of Energy Yasmin bin Haji Umar.

Earlier in May this year, the ASEAN Defence Ministers met in Nay Pyi Taw for the 8th ADMM. Dr Ng is accompanied by senior MINDEF officials at the ADMM Retreat.