VIENTIANE, LAO PDR, 25 May 2016 – This year marks the tenth anniversary of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) under the ASEAN chairmanship of Lao PDR. Representing His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in his Majesty’s capacity as the Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Mohammad Yasmin Haji Umar, Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office attended the ADMM held this morning in Vientiane.
The ASEAN Member States came together to exchange views on regional security issues and increasing complexities that pose challenges to the region, in particular the evolving nature of terrorism. Yang Berhormat Pehin Yasmin emphasised that one of the most critical new challenges that Southeast Asia is seeing today is the reverse diaspora to the region. On that note, the Meeting recognized the important role that the ADMM plays in fostering defence cooperation within the region to address these challenges collectively. In order to reaffirm their commitment to the progress of the ADMM, all ten ASEAN Defence Ministers signed the 10th ADMM Joint Declaration which underscored the ADMM’s commitment to strengthen efforts in promoting regional peace and security through dialogues and cooperation towards a dynamic ASEAN Community.
Upon reaching its 10th anniversary, the Meeting recognized the significance of the ADMM achievements and progress of defence and military interactions, which has led to the establishment of various fundamental mechanisms. During the Meeting, the Ministers adopted the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN Center of Military Medicine, the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN Militaries Ready Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, and the Concept Paper on the Establishment of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Cyber Security. The anniversary celebration will take place tomorrow, comprising of a tree-planting ceremony and a gallery viewing of the past ADMM events that took place in the last decade.
While in Vientiane, Yang Berhormat Pehin Yasmin also held bilateral meetings with the Ministers of Defence of Lao PDR and Philippines. He also had the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister of Lao PDR during a courtesy call with all the ASEAN Defence Ministers.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Yasmin also attended the ASEAN-China Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting that was held subsequently to the ADMM. In addressing the Defence Ministers, Yang Berhormat Pehin Yasmin underscored the vital role that China plays as a key partner to work together in maintaining peace and stability in the region. Yang Berhormat Pehin Yasmin also highlighted the importance of continuing ASEAN’s and China’s engagement in multiple security issues while establishing mechanisms that develop mutual assurance and confidence in order to build long-lasting strategic trust and ensure long-term benefits.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Yasmin was accompanied by Datin Paduka Hajah Suriyah binti Haji Umar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence as Brunei Darussalam’s ADSOM Leader, and other officials from the Prime Ministers’ Office and Ministry of Defence.
