Asean Regional Forum Defence Officials' Dialogue & Asean Regional Forum Security Policy Conference Meeting

By Dk Khairil Bahriah Ali

CAMBODIA, Thursday 24 May 2012 - The second ASEAN Regional Forum Defence Officials’ Dialogue (ARF DoD) Meeting for the year 2011-2012 took place in Phnom Penh on 24 May 2012 and was chaired by Major General Lay Chenda, Director of ASEAN Affairs Department, General Department of Policy and Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defence, Cambodia. This meeting is a follow-up from the first meeting which took place in Wellington, New Zealand.  Three main agendas have been tabled in the meeting which included:

Enhancing Military Practical Cooperation on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR); Cooperation on Peacekeeping Operations; and Implication of Regional Security Architectures.

The ARF DoD was proceeded with the ARF Security Policy Conference (ASPC) Meeting on 25 May 2012 which was headed by Mohd Sahrip bin Othman, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Defence Policy and Development) of the Ministry of Defence.  The Agendas discussed in the meeting included:

Exchange of views on International and Regional Security Issues; Enhancing Cooperation on Maritime Security; Consideration on Safety Nuclear Energy; and Briefing on the Outcomes of the 3rd ADSOM Plus.

At the sideline, China hosted Breakfast Meeting with ASEAN Head of Delegation to the ASPC.  China reiterated its strong commitment in fostering bilateral relations with ASEAN member nations.  

Cambodia is currently the Chair of ASEAN and hosted all meetings under the purview of ASEAN.  Cambodia will be hosting the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) on the 29 May 2012.