The 18th ASEAN Regional Forum Security Policy Conference held virtually

(Bqp.vn) - A Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, attended the 18th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Security Policy Conference (ASPC-18) via a  video conference on May 27.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien attending ASPC-18.

Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Shahril Anwar bin Haji Ma’ awiah, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence of Brunei, who chaired the conference, said countries need to cope with challenges and boost Defence coordination to ensure that the region is ready to respond to future challenges. He described the ASPC as an important channel for parties to share views on defence-security issues and to reinforce cooperation.

During the conference, participants discussed regional and global issues of concern, security challenges now and in the future, including the impact of emerging technologies on national defence-security issues, and measures to build trust and cooperation for the sake of peace and stability in sub-regions and the Asia-Pacific.

Vietnam’s attendance at the conference aimed to continue affirming its role as an active, proactive, and responsible member in bolstering defence cooperation between ASEAN and partners within the ARF framework, build on its achievements during its ASEAN Chair Year 2020, and express support for Brunei during its ASEAN Chair Year 2021.

Addressing the event, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien briefed participants on the global and regional security situation, including intertwined traditional and non-traditional security challenges such as maritime security, terrorism, and cyber security. Affirming the importance of peace and stability in post-pandemic recovery and the upholding of the role of defence-military cooperation within ASEAN as well as between ASEAN and partners, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien expressed his support for Brunei’s proposal regarding the sharing of information on defence-security collaboration at the ARF Defence Officials’ Dialogue (ARF DOD) on the basis of continuing Vietnam’s initiatives during 2020.