On September 11, according to the Ministry of National Defense's Electronic Information Portal, General Nguyen Tan Cuong - Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA), Deputy Minister of National Defense - led a high-ranking military delegation of the VPA to attend and deliver an important speech at the 22nd ASEAN Defense Forces Command Conference (ACDFM-22) held on September 10 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The conference reached a high level of consensus in further strengthening existing defense and military cooperation mechanisms, through the development of practical and effective initiatives, more extensive and focused strategic dialogues, expanding professional exchange programs and building capacity; striving to enhance regional cybersecurity self-reliance and promote sustainable peace mechanisms to resolve conflicts and prevent escalating tensions.
The conference's joint statement clearly stated the need to reaffirm the importance of self-resistance in activities that may complicate or increase stress and affect peace and stability, while pursuing peaceful dispute resolution measures in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982.
Along with that, it enhances mutual trust and trust through measures to build trust such as the rules for unexpected collisions at sea, instructions for military aircraft interaction, instructions for interaction at sea, ASEAN direct communication infrastructure and activities within the DOC framework.
At the same time, maintain the ASEAN Defense Forces Command Conference as the leading and highest military leadership mechanism in ASEAN, promoting effective cooperation between the armed forces of ASEAN countries.
At the conference, the Head of the Vietnamese delegation reaffirmed that as an active and responsible member of the ASEAN community and the international community, the Vietnam People's Army is committed to continuing to contribute to building a united, proactive, adaptive and sustainable ASEAN.
In order to continue promoting ASEAN military-defense cooperation to be increasingly extensive, effective and substantial, General Nguyen Tan Cuong proposed 4 specific orientations:
(1) Continue to strengthen ASEAN's solidarity and central role, promote the effectiveness of existing defense cooperation mechanisms, especially in responding to non-traditional security challenges;
(2) Increase the sharing of strategic information between ASEAN military forces;
(3) Strengthen cooperation to improve response capacity to non-traditional security threats, first of all cyber security;
(4) Promote defense exchanges, through flexible activities, in accordance with the conditions of each country.
At ACDFM-22, the Commander of ASEAN Defense Forces expressed support for Malaysia's theme for 2025 as "ASEAN: Solidarity for Security and Prosperity".
Delegates also expressed their welcome for the decision of the 46th ASEAN Summit to agree on East Timor officially becoming the 11th member of ASEAN and will be announced at the 47th ASEAN Summit.
This decision demonstrates ASEAN's tolerance and regional solidarity, affirming the principle of an open and proactive community of adaptation; expressing high appreciation for the Lao People's Democratic Republic as an excellent and dedicated President in 2024, and welcoming Malaysia as a exemplary and visionary President in 2025.
