APD | Philippine Defense Secretary attends 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA, July 16 (APD) – National Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana joined other ASEAN Defense Ministers as the opening of the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting convened last Thursday, July 11, 2019, in Bangkok, Thailand.

In a statement released Monday afternoon, the Department of National Defense said prior to the formal opening of the 13th ADMM, the ASEAN Defense Ministers paid a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who briefed them on what Thailand hopes to achieve as this year’s Chair of ASEAN.

During the ADMM, the Defense Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promote sustainable security through strengthening cooperation in addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges which affect the region. They all agreed on the need to shape a regional environment conducive to peace and development.

Secretary Lorenzana reiterated the Philippines’ support for the continuing and new initiatives under the ADMM. He also took the opportunity to thank the Vietnamese fishing vessel captain who rescued twenty-two (22) Filipino fishermen involved in a maritime incident recently.

He added it is important to adopt the ADMM guidelines for Maritime Interaction to prevent similar incidents in the high seas.

[Top image: Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana (second from left) meets General Pravit Wongsuwan, Thai Minister of Defense, in the bilateral discussions during the 13th ADMM in Bangkok. /DFA Photos]

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)