ASEAN defence ministers agreed to step up joint military training and exercises, particularly in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
During a breakfast meeting held on the sidelines of the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue, the ministers also reaffirmed the importance of Asean centrality and the bloc’s role in promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity.
The meeting was co-hosted by Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing and Philippines Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro Jr, and attended by defence leaders and representatives from Asean member states.
Among those attending was Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. — Bernama
