Southeast Asian Defense Ministers and its dialogue partners, including the United States, continue the high-level security talks in Clark, Pampanga on Tuesday, October 24, focusing on security threats in the region.
“With this, I am optimistic that we could broaden areas of cooperation to cover a wide array of defense and security issues, including terrorism and violent extremism, maritime security, cyber security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and peacekeeping operations among others,” Sec. Delfin Lorenzana, Philippine Defense Minister said.
The Philippines, chair of the 10-member ASEAN this year, led the meeting, with talks focusing on counter-terrorism operations, maritime security and peacekeeping operations.
The ASEAN defense ministers meeting-plus draws in the defense chiefs from Southeast Asia and dialogue partners from China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the United States to discuss regional issues affecting security and stability. (Reuters)