PHNOM PENH: The 16th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Defence Ministers' Meeting got underway here on Wednesday, with the main topics of discussion being regional security and major issues.
The summit, which was presided over by Tea Banh, the deputy prime minister and minister of defence of Cambodia, included delegates from all the ASEAN member states.
Banh stated in his introductory remarks that it was the first in-person meeting after the Covid-19 pandemic in more than two years. He said, "our presence today underscores our commitment with heavy responsibilities to sustain ASEAN's centrality, unity, and cooperation for peace and security in the region."
Among other pressures, he said that the meeting is being held at a time when the entire area is dealing with cross-border crime, terrorism, climate change, disasters, and pandemics. He said, "Our area will move towards sustainable peace, security, and prosperity as a result of our united commitment to address these issues."
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are all part of ASEAN.
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