ASEAN Defence Ministers Resolve to Combat Terrorism through Regional and International Cooperation

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen attended the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in Clark, Philippines, today.

Under the Philippines' Chairmanship, the 11th ADMM adopted several proposals, including the annualisation of the ADMM-Plus, which would increase the frequency of dialogue amongst the ADMM-Plus Defence Ministers to exchange views on pertinent regional security challenges. The ASEAN Defence Ministers looked forward to Singapore hosting the 5th ADMM-Plus in 2018.

Dr Ng and the other ASEAN Defence Ministers also signed the 11th ADMM Joint Declaration, which underscored the ADMM's resolve to combat terrorism through regional and international cooperation. In addition, they attended a special ADMM meeting on countering violent extremism, radicalisation, and terrorism. At the meeting, the Defence Ministers reaffirmed the importance of regional counter-terrorism initiatives, such as the Trilateral Maritime and Air Patrols in the Sulu Sea, and highlighted the need for ASEAN to respond collectively given that terrorism is a problem that no country can singlehandedly manage. Dr Ng highlighted that Singapore will step-up counter-terrorism collaboration between the ASEAN Defence establishments during Singapore's 2018 ADMM Chairmanship.

The ASEAN Defence Ministers also had separate informal meetings with the Defence Ministers of China, Japan, and the United States. During these meetings, they reaffirmed the three Plus countries' strong commitment and interest in engaging ASEAN, and welcomed greater regional cooperation in areas such as terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and maritime security cooperation. 

While in the Philippines, Dr Ng also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the other ASEAN countries, where they reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationships. 

As part of the programme tomorrow, Dr Ng will participate in the ADMM Chairmanship handover ceremony where Singapore will officially take over the ADMM and ADMM-Plus Chairmanship from the Philippines.

More Resources

Fact Sheet: Joint Declaration of the ASEAN Defence Ministers on Partnering for Change, Engaging the World