The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is gearing up for its 6th Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). Scheduled to be held in Bangkok on the 20th of November, 2019, the ADMM-Plus serves as a platform for facilitating cooperation and dialogue in the areas of security and defence. The attendees of this crucial meeting will comprise defense ministers from the ten ASEAN member states and eight of its dialogue partners – Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, and the United States.
Origins of the ADMM-Plus
In tracing the origins of the ADMM-Plus, it’s imperative to go back to the 2nd ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) held in Singapore in 2007. It was during this meeting that a resolution was adopted to establish the ADMM-Plus with the objective of promoting mutual trust and transparency among defence establishments. This vision came to fruition three years later in 2010, at Ha Noi, Vietnam when the first ADMM-Plus was convened.
Role and Importance of ADMM-Plus
The ADMM-Plus plays a crucial role in fostering regional peace, stability, and development. It acts as a bridge between ASEAN and its dialogue partners, enabling open and meaningful dialogue on matters of defence and security. More importantly, by promoting transparency and building trust among defence establishments, it allows for more effective cooperation in these areas.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The practical cooperation fostered by ADMM-Plus spans five crucial areas. These are maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping operations and military medicine. Through regular dialogues, the platform provides the opportunity for member countries to share insights, learn from each other’s experiences, and collaborate on common issues.
ADMM-Plus Leadership
The leadership of the ADMM-Plus is aligned with that of the ADMM. As it currently stands, both these platforms are chaired by Thailand.
Summary of ADMM-Plus in a Glance
| First Meeting | Established During | Main Objective | Current Chair | Key Areas of Cooperation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 in Ha Noi, Vietnam | 2nd ADMM in Singapore in 2007 | Promoting mutual trust and transparency among defence establishments | Thailand | Maritime Security, Counter-Terrorism, Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief, Peacekeeping Operations and Military Medicine. |