KUALA LUMPUR: The 19th Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting and 12th ADMM Plus set key agendas including the Asean Observer Team, a regional disaster response protocol and joint maritime exercises.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the meetings mark a milestone for Asean’s role in defence diplomacy and crisis response.
Malaysia hosts the meetings from Thursday (Oct 30) to Sunday (Nov 2).
“One highlight is the formalisation of the Asean Observer Team,” he said.
He said it will monitor and facilitate the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia under the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord.
“The AOT reflects the bloc’s readiness to play an active role in conflict prevention and regional stability,” he added.
He spoke after a walkabout at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre ahead of the ADMM opening on Friday (Oct 31).
“The meetings will also endorse SOPs for the Asean Military Ready Group,” he said.
Khaled then added that the AMRG will form part of the region’s disaster management framework.
“This aims to ensure faster coordination and more effective responses during HADR operations. It strengthens our collective readiness when disaster strikes. We have seen recent floods in Vietnam and other calamities in the Philippines,” he said.
Khaled said several Asean Plus One maritime exercises will be approved.
These include joint drills with the United States, China, India and South Korea.
“These exercises enhance operational interoperability and build trust,” he said.
He said the meetings will also adopt a Joint Statement on Cooperation in the Field of Artificial Intelligence in Defence.
“The statement underscores our commitment to approach AI responsibly,” he said.
He said it balances innovation with accountability.
“AI is reshaping the defence landscape and must enhance security, not create new risks,” he added.
Khaled said 25 new initiatives will be signed during the ADMM and ADMM Plus.
“There are 25 initiatives to be adopted, a record for a single year. The initiatives cover cooperation, operational readiness and emerging complex threats,” he added.
