Philippines (FN), October 24 - During the 15th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ASEAN Defense Ministers Plus (ADMM-Plus), the Ministry of National Defense of the Philippines held three informal meetings, including Informal Meeting of Defense Ministers of ASEAN-US, Informal Meeting of ASEAN-China and Informal Meeting of ASEAN-Japan.

Informal Meeting of Defense Ministers of ASEAN-China in Philippines, on Monday, was led by Delfin Lorenzana, Philippine’s Defense Minister and chairman of ADMM and Chang Wanquan, China’s Defense Minister with the participation of 10 ASEAN Defense Ministers.

During the meeting, Tea Banh, Minister of National Defense, said that China has been a key partner with ASEAN since 1996 and has played an important role in maintaining peace, stability and sustainability in Southeast Asia.

He added that China has made a great contribution to build a strong base and enhance capacity for ASEAN member countries to address new security challenges; especially, the threat of non-traditional security.

The minister believed that the ASEAN-China relations and cooperation will be better for the people by promoting peace, stability and development in the region.

Tea Banh, meanwhile, poised Japanese Government and their people for providing significant support to Cambodia in all fields and in all circumstances.

"What is remarkable is that Japan has provided technical assistance and capacity building for Cambodia in unexploded ordnance removal and peacekeeping operations”, said Tea Banh during the ASEAN-Japan Defense Ministers' Meeting with Itsunori Onodera, Japan's Defense Minister.

Tea Banh added that ASEAN and Japan has a long-lasting relationship, linking their friendship with a sincere and solidarity.
=FRESH NEWS