10th ADMM Resolves to Combat Transboundary Terrorist Threat

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (fourth from right) taking part in the ASEAN Wave with his counterparts at the opening of the 10th ADMM.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen attended the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in Vientiane, Laos, today.

During the meeting, the Ministers discussed regional security issues and commended the good progress in practical cooperation under the ambit of the ADMM and the ADMM-Plus. In particular, there was strong commitment to enhance cooperation to address the terrorist threat as well as prevent terrorism and violent extremism from gaining a foothold in Southeast Asia. The Ministers agreed that defence and military establishments can play a key role in the fight against terrorism. These include building up information and intelligence-sharing platforms, combining resources for coordinated operations, as well as enhancing confidence and capability building mechanisms such as the recently concluded ADMM-Plus Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism Exercise.

Dr Ng said, "Terrorism is a clear and present threat to our region and ADMM must continue our efforts to deal with security threats decisively."Dr Ng and the other ASEAN Defence Ministers also signed the 10th ADMM Joint Declaration, which underscored the ADMM's resolve to cooperate internationally and regionally to combat the transnational threat of terrorism, as well as its commitment to practice and observe international protocols such as the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES). The ASEAN Defence Ministers also jointly called on Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.

The ASEAN Defence Ministers also had an informal meeting with the Chinese Minister of National Defense General (GEN) Chang Wanquan. The Ministers welcomed stronger practical cooperation between ASEAN and China. Dr Ng said "A stable ASEAN-China relationship is vital for stability in this region as we face security challenges that threaten our collective well-being.

" During the meeting, Dr Ng emphasised the importance of developing protocols and norms of behaviour to reduce tensions and misunderstandings in the region. Specifically, Dr Ng recommended for the expansion of CUES to white shipping, an establishment of a code of conduct for submarine safety and a protocol to regulate unplanned air-to-air military encounters.

While in Laos, Dr Ng had bilateral meetings with Malaysian Minister for Defence Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Voltaire T. Gazmin, where they reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationships. As part of his programme, Dr Ng will attend the commemorative activities to mark the 10th anniversary of the ADMM tomorrow.

Dr Ng (fourth from right) with ASEAN and Chinese Defence Ministers, as well as ASEAN Secretary-General, at the ASEAN-China Defence Ministers' Informal Meeting.

Dr Ng (left) with Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith (right), during the ASEAN defence ministers' call on the Prime Minister.

Dr Ng inspecting the Guard of Honour contingent at the 10th ADMM.

Dr Ng (right) meeting with Malaysian Minister for Defence Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein (left) on the sidelines of the 10th ADMM.

Dr Ng (right) meeting with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Voltaire T. Gazmin (left) on the sidelines of the 10th ADMM.

More Resources

Fact Sheet: Joint Declaration of the ASEAN Defence Ministers on Promoting Defence Cooperation for a Dynamic ASEAN Community