BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Wednesday 20 March 2013 – Closing the 10th ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Informal Meeting by the RBAF Commander, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin yesterday, he said that Brunei Darussalam reaffirms its commitment in ensuring supports are provided in enhancing ASEAN military cooperation at all levels. Evidently this effort was seen during this year’s ACDFIM towards comprehensive and multilateral cooperation that benefit national, regional and international interests as well as the 6th ASEAN militaries Two Year Activity Work Plan.
Reflecting what was discussed during the meeting, the RBAF Commander stressed that
“security is indeed a real team effort, requiring teamwork among not only compatriots, but also teamwork with other nations too.”
“..The steps we take together, no matter how small or big, will enhance the ASEAN defence sector into a more dynamic force as we move closer towards the ASEAN Community. ASEAN will continue to remain at the heart of our networks,” said the RBAF Commander.
The RBAF Commander further emphasized, “It is important to remember that even as our collective willpower to cooperate continue to grow, challenges will continue to be an undeniable part of our security landscape. Disagreements may arise but what I think is more important that we remain consistent in building upon the resilience of our cooperative framework, one that will not be easily punctured in the event of complexities or conflicts.”
In addition, the RBAF Commander feels optimistic that the inaugural ADMM-Plus HADR Military Medicine field training exercise in June this year will be a great success which multilateral cooperation among military relations between ASEAN countries can benefit and value.
After the official closing of the 10th ACDFIM, the RBAF Commander handed over the chairmanship of the next ACDFIM to Myanmar represented by Lieutenant General Thet Naing Win, Commander of No.(4) Bureau of Special Operations Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Defence Services of Myanmar on behalf of Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Myanmar, Vice-Senior General Min Aung Hlaing who will host the 11th ACDFIM in 2014.
In his acceptance address, Lieutenant General Thet Naing Win said the discussion at the 10th ACDFIM had been an enormous benefit and help for the Myanmar Defence Services as Mynamar will host the 11th ACDFIM next year. “ACDFIM will not only strengthen relations among ASEAN Armed Forces but will also be beneficial for mutual cooperation.
As member of the ASEAN Armed Forces, we all can share common concerns and aspirations regarding peace and security in the interest of the welfare of our people,” said Commander of No.(4) Bureau of Special Operations Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Defence Services of Myanmar.
