In a message sent to a virtual ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the founding of the ADMM-Plus hosted by the Defence Ministry on December 10, the PM highlighted that the anniversary is a milestone in cooperation between ASEAN member states and their eight dialogue partners, contributing to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment in the region.

 Amid the formidable challenges in the region and the world, particularly as COVID-19 has ravaged the five continents, the PM underlined that it is time for multilateral cooperation mechanisms in the region led by ASEAN, including ADMM Plus, to promote their role in ensuring peace and stable cooperation.

He took the occasion to speak highly of the new working methods of ADMM and ADMM Plus mechanisms in 2020, such as the organisation of online conferences, which contribute to maintaining dialogue and momentum of cooperation within the ASEAN bloc as well as between ASEAN and its partners.

With the results of the ADMM Plus mechanism in the past, PM Phuc said all parties should identify a proper position for ASEAN in the post-pandemic world, with a central role in preserving a peaceful, stable, and united region based on international law.

ASEAN should continue to prove its mettle and promote its leading role in boosting cooperation, dialogue, and trust building among nations, while settling disputes and differences via peaceful means and based on international rules and ASEAN documents on regional code of conduct, he stressed.

The Government leader suggested ASEAN pay due regard to the wish and needs of countries outside the region to cooperate with the bloc for the common purpose of regional peace, stability, and practical development, explaining the move would help better the capacity of ASEAN member states in response to emerging security threats.

The Vietnamese Government pledges close cooperation and concerted effort with other ASEAN members to realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and build a cohesive and responsive ASEAN Community.

PM Phuc expressed a hope that the ADMM Plus mechanism will further develop and achieve important progress in preserving peace, stability, and prosperous cooperation, thus living up to the expectations of local people.

At the ceremony, Vietnamese Minister of Defence General Ngo Xuan Lich described the establishment of the ADMM Plus mechanism as a significant contribution by Vietnam to ASEAN’s development.

Since the first meeting in Hanoi in 2010, the ADMM Plus mechanism has played an important role in regional peace and stability as well as mutual understanding and trust among nations, creating a premise for ASEAN to enhance regional connectivity in the time ahead.

Lich said that in order to adapt to the changeable regional and international environment with intertwined opportunities and challenges, members of the ADMM Plus should make further efforts to consolidate the mechanism’s role in the shaping regional architecture with ASEAN at the centre through close collaboration with other cooperative mechanisms where ASEAN plays a central role, such as the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum.

As a proactive and responsible member of ASEAN as well as ADMM Plus, Vietnam will do its utmost and work with ASEAN states and partners to build a region of peace, stability, cooperation, and development.

The ASEAN Secretary General, the Indian Defence Minister, the Japanese Defence Minister, and the UN Under-Secretary General delivered speeches congratulating the ADMM Plus on its 10th anniversary./.

BTA