ASEAN defense chiefs to meet in VN late this month

Senior officers from 10 ASEAN armies and defense attachés of ASEAN countries located in Hà Nội will attend the meeting with a view to approving the ACDFIM-7 Solution and a plan of action for 2010-2011 at the end of the meeting.

Speaking at a press conference on March 12 in Hà Nội, Lieut. Gen. Nguyễn Tuấn Dũng, Vice Chairman of the General Political Department of the Việt Nam People’s Army (VPA), said that the successful organization of ACDFIM-7 and other defense and military meetings would help to promote the image of the people, land and army of Việt Nam on its development track. It will also convey a message to international friends that the VPA is responsible and actively contributes to building an ASEAN of solidarity, unity, cooperation and mutual assistance.

This will be a chance for Việt Nam to emphasize its defense policy of peace, self-defense, as well as the country’s desire for peace, stability, cooperation with ASEAN countries and other nations in the world, Mr. Dũng said.

Defense and military meetings, including ACDFIM-7, play a special important role in defense, security and military cooperation among ASEAN countries and ensure a peaceful and stable environment in the Southeast Asian and Asia-Pacific regions.

They contribute to building mutual understanding, trust, solidarity and friendship among ASEAN armies and stress the role of ASEAN army in activities regarding sovereignty protection, national interests and keeping national stability and security.

ACDFIM was initially set up as a forum regarding trust-building and informal connectivity and then it turns from dialogue into practical cooperation due to the increasing demand on cooperation among ASEAN armies.