ASEAN defense ministers issues joint declaration

NAY PYI TAW - Defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued on Wednesday a joint declaration on defense cooperation towards a peaceful and prosperous ASEAN community.

This was following the end of their 8th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) held in Myanmar's capital city of Nay Pyi Taw Tuesday.

The ASEAN defense ministers adopted the ADMM three-year work program (2014-2016) and the concept paper on establishing a direct communication linking the ADMM process, said the declaration.

They also adopted the additional protocol to the concept papers for the establishment of an ADMM and the ADMM plus.

The statement called for deepening friendly ties between ASEAN and the plus countries on strategic as well as defense and security issues affecting the region.

The statement urged for increasing mutual understanding among ASEAN defense establishments and deepen regular consultations on defense matters and work together to counter threats and challenges to regional peace.

The statement called for facilitating interactions between the defense and military officials of ASEAN member states and develop practical cooperation in the field of defense and security.

The statement underlined some landmark cooperation amongst defense forces of ASEAN member states and the plus countries in 2013 and in February 2014.

The statement welcomes Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN and its hosting of the 9th ADMM and the 3rd ADMM- plus in 2015.