ASEAN defense ministers explore security cooperation for regional peace

Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Nov 15 called for strengthening defense and security cooperation at their annual gathering in Jakarta.

In a joint declaration issued after the 17th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting, or ADMM, in Jakarta, ministers agreed, among one another, to strengthen defense and security cooperation among its members and between the association and its partner countries.

They also agreed to deepen defense cooperation in building regional resilience in the post-pandemic era and support cross-pillar and cross-sectoral coordination.

The statement said the ministers also underscored the significance of maintaining regional peace, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea, while pursuing peaceful solutions to disputes in accordance with international law, according to the declaration.

The 17th ADMM, the 10th ADMM-Plus and related meetings are being held in Indonesia, the chair of ASEAN this year, on Nov 15-16. Themed "Peace, Prosperity and Security," the meeting will discuss and provide policy guidance to promote cooperation within ASEAN as well as with its formal partners.

The Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto on Nov 15 stressed the crucial importance of ASEAN nations to maintain peace and stability for the well-being of people in the region.

"Without peace and stability, it is impossible to attract investment, promote trade and ensure the well-being of our peoples and societies," Subianto told ASEAN defense ministers who are gathering for the 17th ADMM.

In his opening speech at the annual meeting of ASEAN defense ministers, he said: "Peace and security are fundamental building blocks for economic prosperity and social progress."

Subianto expressed his concern about conflicts in the region which he said as can have a profound impact for all people in the region.

"We are saddened with the deteriorating situation in Myanmar," the minister said while adding that Indonesia would continue to support Myanmar's efforts as well as promote harmonious reconciliation.

"We support Myanmar's efforts to find a peaceful and durable solution," Subianto said, adding Indonesia is saddened by the deteriorating situation and Gaza and is closely monitoring it.  

On Nov 15, the ADMM discussed a number of defense and security issues such as the dynamic of geopolitics and strategy in regional and global contexts, defense cooperation within the ASEAN framework, as well as cooperation between ASEAN and its key partners, which, together with ASEAN, form ADMM Plus.

Those issues include the implementation of "ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific from a Defense Perspective", harmonizing ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting and ADMM-Plus Initiatives, the use of military assets of ASEAN member state to support food security in the region, ADMM work program 2023-2026, and guidelines for the implementation of the observer status granted to Timor-Leste in ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting, ADMM-Plus and its related meetings.

Other issues discussed are revised standard operating procedures of the ASEAN Our Eyes intelligence initiative, a joint statement by ADMM-Plus on the promotion of women, peace and security; and a joint declaration of the ADMM-Plus on women, peace and security.

Yang Han in Hong Kong contributed to this report.