ADMM-PLUS AGREES TO STEP UP PRACTICAL COOPERATION TO INCREASE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE

At the 2nd ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus, held in Brunei on 29 Aug, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, his fellow ASEAN Defence Ministers and Ministers from the "Plus" countries - Australia, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the United States - discussed key security challenges facing the region and beyond. They also expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the ADMM-Plus since its inauguration in Vietnam in October 2010.

Some of the key issues discussed at the meeting included the ongoing maritime disputes and overlapping territorial claims in the South and East China Seas. The Ministers supported the establishment of practical measures to de-escalate tensions and prevent conflicts, such as establishing a hotline to defuse tensions at sea. The idea was first proposed during the 7th ADMM in May.

Addressing media after the ADMM-Plus, Dr Ng said that the meeting was important because it helped to sustain strategic dialogue, build confidence, engender practical cooperation and promote stable military-to-military relations. "Over the three years, we have established substantial progress, not only in terms of using and allowing this for dialogue but... for the defence track."

Citing the example of an 18-nation humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise recently conducted in Brunei this June, he added: "The number of... military to military exercises have improved understanding, cooperation and collaboration (among nations)."

The ADMM-Plus Ministers also signed a Joint Declaration to reaffirm the commitment of member countries to enhance regional peace and security.

While in Brunei, Dr Ng and the other ASEAN and "Plus" Ministers called on His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'zzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei. As part of the ADMM-Plus programme, the ASEAN ministers also had an informal meeting with United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.

Dr Ng also met Brunei Minister of Energy Yasmin bin Haji Umar, Australia Defence Minister Stephen Smith, China Minister of National Defense and State Councillor General (GEN) Chang Wanquan, Japan Minister of National Defense Itsunori Onodera, Malaysian Minister of Defence Dato' Seri Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein, Thailand Deputy Minister of Defence GEN Yuthasak Sasiprapha and Vietnam Minister of National Defense GEN Phung Quang Thanh.