The Department of National Defense (DND) convened ASEAN defense officials and dialogue partners on June 30 to advance preparations for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus set in October.
The Ad Hoc ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting-Plus Working Group was held via video conference and presided over by Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Marita I. Yoro, who serves as chair of the working group.
The meeting focused on key preparatory matters for the upcoming high-level defense meetings, including priority areas for ASEAN defense cooperation and coordination among ASEAN member states and partner countries.
The DND said discussions also highlighted youth, peace, and security as one of the areas of cooperation being advanced under the Philippine chairship.
The meeting was attended by ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the Plus Countries: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States.
Anchored on the Philippine chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the working group meeting reaffirmed the commitment of ASEAN and its partners to strengthen practical defense cooperation, promote regional peace and security, and support meaningful youth participation in peace and security efforts.