The ASEAN chiefs of defence forces pose for a photo at the ACDFIM-13 (Photo: VNA)Vientiane (VNA) – The 13th ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Informal Meeting (ACDFIM-13) commenced in Vientiane, Laos, in the morning of March 14, under the theme “Promoting Defence Cooperation for a Dynamic ASEAN Community”.
The event is being attended by chiefs of the General Staff, commanders-in-chief of the armed forces, and commanders of the defence forces of the 10 ASEAN member countries’ armies.
The Vietnamese delegation is led by General Do Ba Ty, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Defence Minister.
During the one-day meeting, the participants will discuss measures to enhance mutual understanding, trust and cooperation.
They will look into means of cooperation in the future, to be ready for traditional and non-traditional threats.
The officers will also hear reports on and scrutinise the outcomes of the 13th ASEAN Military Intelligence Informal Meeting and the sixth ASEAN Military Operations Informal Meeting.
The heads of the delegations to the ACDFIM-13 are also set to deliver speeches and mull over an ASEAN military cooperation plan for 2016 – 2018 and sign the meeting’s joint statement.
Opening the event, Souvone Leuangbounmy, Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army, said the ACDFIM-13 is an important meeting following the official formation of the ASEAN Community and amidst swift, complex and unpredictable changes in the regional and international security situation.
The changes will bring about both opportunities and challenges. Hence, cooperation for regional peace, stability and development is urgent and in conformity with the aspiration of people in the region, he added.-VNA
