Shangri-La dialogue: US, ASEAN agree on regional security issues
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had a meeting with representatives from ASEAN countries on June 4 in Singapore, on the sidelines of the 16th Shangri-La Dialogue.
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and ASEAN representatives to Shangri-La dialogue (Photo: epa)
Singapore (VNA) - US Defense SecretaryJim Mattis had a meeting with representatives from ASEAN countries on June 4 inSingapore, on the sidelines of the 16th Shangri-La Dialogue.
According to Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Duc Hai,Director of the National Defence Strategy Institute and head of the Vietnamesedelegation to the dialogue, ASEAN valued the role of the US in the region.
The discussion saw member countries of the bloc talkingabout their respective domestic challenges and suggesting measures tostrengthen cooperation with the US for regional peace and security.
ASEAN nations expected the US to increase itscommitments to the bloc, particularly in the implementation of cooperationmechanism within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Minister’s Meeting Plus(ADMM+).
They mentioned new trade cooperation forms afterthe Trump administration decided to withdraw from the Trans-PacificPartnership. The US side replied that there would be more cooperationinitiatives to come under further discussions and studies from partiesinvolved.
Organised by the International Institute forStrategic Studies (IISS), the annual Asia security summit, known as Shangri-LaDialogue, took place from June 2 to 4.
The dialogue was divided into five sessions,focusing on the US and Asia-Pacific security, maintenance of rules-basedregional order, new challenges for crisis management in Asia-Pacific, buildinga common ground on regional security, threats to the global and regionalsecurity.-VNA
Singapore has tightened security across all streets leading to Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, where the 16th Shangri-La Dialogue will take place from June 2 to 4.
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In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
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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).
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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.
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and ASEAN representatives to Shangri-La dialogue (Photo: epa) 
