KUALA LUMPUR: The 19th Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 12th ADMM-Plus chaired by Malaysia, made history after approving the highest number of initiatives in a single year.
The series of meetings held from Oct 30 to Nov 1 and led by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, saw Asean member countries endorsing 20 key initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security cooperation and unity.
The Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of the ADMM, themed “Asean Unity for Security and Prosperity,” reflected the bloc’s collective commitment to deepening defence collaboration and reaffirming Asean centrality, especially in engagements with external partners through the ADMM-Plus framework.
Among the major outcomes were the establishment of the Asean Observer Team, endorsement of a regional disaster response protocol, the approval of joint maritime exercises with partner nations and the release of a landmark statement on artificial intelligence (AI) in defence.
Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia’s hosting of the series of meetings marked a significant milestone in reinforcing Asean’s role as a central platform for defence diplomacy, cooperation and crisis response.
“One of the highlights was the formalisation of the observer team among ADMM states, which will be deployed to monitor and facilitate the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia under the recently signed Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord.
“The establishment of the team reflects the bloc’s readiness to play an active role in conflict prevention and regional stability.”
The minister also announced the introduction of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Asean Military Ready Group (AMRG), which will now be incorporated into the region’s disaster management framework.
“This initiative ensures faster coordination and more effective responses among member states during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
“It’s about strengthening our collective readiness when disaster strikes, as we’ve seen recently with floods in Vietnam and other calamities in the Philippines.”
In addition, several Asean Plus One maritime exercises were approved, including joint drills with the United States, China, India and South Korea.
“These exercises are designed to enhance operational interoperability and build trust between regional navies and their partners,” Mohamed Khaled said.
Another key milestone was the adoption of the Joint Statement on the Implementation of the Asean Political-Security Community Strategic Plan under the Asean Community Vision 2045.
“These documents are living proof of our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and forward-looking Asean.
“The ADMM is not merely a formal platform, but a vibrant community of purpose and progress,” he added.
Various engagements were also conducted on the sidelines of the ADMM, including the Asean-China Defence Ministers’ Luncheon and the Asean-US Defence Ministers’ High-Tea.
The 12th ADMM-Plus, held on Nov 1, also concluded successfully, with Mohamed Khaled describing it as proof that dialogue works, that trust can be built and that unity remains Asean’s greatest defence.
“Asean’s vision has always extended far beyond South-East Asia. That is precisely why the ADMM-Plus exists ... to give Asean a voice on global security issues and to better understand the evolving landscape beyond this region,” he remarked.
The series of events culminated with the handing over ceremony of the chairmanship of ADMM and ADMM-Plus.
Mohamed Khaled said every chair of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus before Malaysia has laid strong foundations to build upon.
“As I prepare to hand over the Chairmanship, allow me to share one final reflection.
“Malaysia has continued that important journey, by adding our own building blocks to a structure that belongs to all of us.
“However, we cannot do miracles. One year is not enough to accomplish everything. What matters is continuity, to carry on the unfinished and unending mission of building a sustainable legacy for the Asean community,” he said during the handing over ceremony of the chairmanship to the Philippines.
He said the ADMM and ADMM-Plus are enduring symbols of collective commitment to “Asean First” as well as to unity, centrality and solidarity.
Malaysia gives its full and unwavering support to the next chair of ADMM and ADMM-Plus.
“We have every confidence that the Philippines will continue to lead with the same spirit of dedication, integrity and unity.
“Let us support the Philippines’ ADMM Chairmanship, as one Asean, united in purpose and in vision,” he said.
