GEORGE TOWN, Feb 27 — The Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) retreat, which concluded today, demonstrated the bloc’s commitment to jointly navigate the geopolitical landscape to ensure continued peace and stability in the region.
The retreat, which brought together defence ministers and senior officials from all 10 Asean states, as well as Timor-Leste Defence Minister Donaciano Rosario Costa Gomes who attended as an observer, also strengthened Asean solidarity in addressing new security threats.
As Asean chair, Malaysia introduced the theme “Asean Unity for Security and Prosperity” for the ADMM and ADMM-Plus, which symbolises security as the foundation of economic growth, stability and well-being of the people.
At the retreat, the ministers and senior officials agreed to raise five key issues to the ADMM and the Asean Senior Defence Ministers’ Meeting in September and November, respectively.
The five issues are enhancing the capacity and capability of Asean countries in addressing cyber security threats; exploring artificial intelligence cooperation in the defence sector; strengthening civil-military coordination and cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief management; improving defence industry cooperation among Asean members to drive technological innovation and regional capacity development; and upholding Asean unity and reinforcing Asean centrality in addressing regional security challenges.
On the first day of the retreat, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin held meetings with Brunei Defence Minister II Awang Halbi Mohd Yussof, Timor-Leste Defence Minister Donaciano Rosario Costa Gomes, and Asean Political-Security Community deputy secretary-general Datuk Astanah Abdul Aziz.
On the second day, Khaled received courtesy calls from his counterparts Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin of Indonesia, Khamlieng Outhakaisone (Laos), Eng Ng Hen (Singapore), as well as Thailand Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodia Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tea Seiha.
In addition, he also received courtesy calls from Vietnam Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Tan Cuong and Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro.
All meetings and courtesy calls discussed joint efforts to address regional security challenges and boost defence cooperation to address new security threats such as cyber security and natural disasters.
Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry in a statement said it will boost Malaysia’s name as a leader in global diplomacy as a bridge between Asean and world powers.
The ministry’s main goal is to see Asean develop as a bloc that is not only safe but also prosperous and sustainable to ensure prosperity and stability for future generations.
The ADMM Retreat was held in conjunction with Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship 2025 under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
Malaysia will host over 300 Asean-related meetings, programmes, and summits throughout this year, making it one of the most active chairmanships the country has held. Malaysia previously held the role in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
— Bernama
