Vietnam proposed to establish a group of experts to overcome
consequences of unexploded ordnance left from wars at the ASEAN Defence
Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADSOM) in Brunei on April 2.
Addressing the event, Deputy Defence Minister, Senior Lieut. Gen
Nguyen Chi Vinh stressed that the initiative will assist not only
Vietnam but also other regional countries which are facing serious
consequences and threats of bombs, mines and explosives.
It also contributes to maintaining peace, stability and development in the region, he said.
The initiative won support from delegates who said that it will
contribute to enhancing cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN
Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) and bringing practical interests
to people in the region.
Earlier, at the ADSOM Plus Working Group meeting, ADMM Plus member countries supported Vietnam’s initiative.
India said it is willing to work with Vietnam to co-chair the
group after the initiative is approved by defence ministers of the ADMM
Plus.
The ADSOM discussed preparation for the seventh
ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-7) in May and the second ASEAN
Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) in October.
The
delegates discussed a number of new initiatives which will further
contribute towards the progress and wider development of the ADMM. The
ADSOM also considered several new initiatives which will be brought
forward to the ADMM for adoption.-VNA