GEORGE TOWN, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat which concluded today, demonstrates 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 member states, as well as Timor-Leste's Defence Minister Donaciano Rosario Costa Gomes who attended as an ASEAN Observer, also strengthened ASEAN solidarity in addressing new security threats.
As the 2025 ASEAN Chair, Malaysia also 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 (ADSOM) 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 (AI) cooperation in the defence sector; strengthening civil-military coordination and cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) management; improving defence industry cooperation among ASEAN member states 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's Defense Minister II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Maj Gen (Rtd) Datuk Paduka Seri Awang Halbi Mohd Yussof, Timor-Leste's Defense Minister Donaciano Rosario Costa Gomes and ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Political-Security Community Datuk Astanah Abdul Aziz.
On the second day, Mohamed Khaled received courtesy calls from his counterparts Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin of Indonesia, Khamlieng Outhakaisone (Laos), Dr Eng Ng Hen (Singapore), as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Cambodia Tea Seiha.
In addition, he also received courtesy calls from Deputy Minister of Defense of Vietnam Nguyen Tan Cuong and Secretary of Defense of the Philippines Gilberto C. Teodoro.
All of the meetings and courtesy calls discussed joint efforts in addressing regional security challenges as well as strengthening defence cooperation to address new security threats such as cybersecurity and natural disasters.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) in a statement said that it is striving to strengthen Malaysia's name as a leader in global diplomacy by highlighting the country's ability to be 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
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