The 13th ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Informal Meeting commenced in Vientiane, Laos, in the morning of March 14, under the theme “Promoting Defence Cooperation for a Dynamic ASEAN Community".
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 “Prom🎐oting 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
The third ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) kicked off in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 4 to seek measures to ensure regional security.
Malaysia has invited Vietnam to participate in the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur in April 2016.
A delegation from the Vietnamese People’s Army (VPA) led by General Do Ba Ty, Chief of the General Staff, is attending the 13th ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Informal Meeting (ACDFIM-13) in Laos
Chief of the General Staff General Do Ba Ty held separate bilateral meetings with heads of delegations from Laos, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Brunei on March 13.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
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The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
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The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
The ASEAN chiefs of defence forces pose for a photo at the ACDFIM-13 (Photo: VNA)
