November 27, 2024
VIENTIANE – ASEAN member states and China are strengthening cooperation in defence and security, with their growing partnership discussed at the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus in Vientiane last week.
The meeting was attended by Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Chansamone, China’s Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun, ASEAN ministers, and a delegation from Timor-Leste.
General Chansamone said the meeting was a good opportunity for ASEAN and Chinese ministers to meet, strengthen mutual trust and confidence, and enhance cooperation in defence and security.
Since the establishment of ASEAN-China relations in 1991, cooperation has progressed in many areas, including political, security, economic and socio-cultural aspects.
China is a country with a great deal of potential and plays an important role in promoting regional and international peace and security, and the Lao government hopes that China will continue to play a role in ways that benefit the regional and international communities.
Enhanced cooperation with ASEAN will help respond to security challenges in Laos and the neighbouring region, General Chansamone said.
“I believe that China will continue to respect the centrality of ASEAN and promote cooperation with ASEAN through mechanisms led by ASEAN to enhance its capacity to contribute to the protection of regional and international peace, stability and strength,” he added.
During the Chinese delegation’s visit to Laos, President Thongloun Sisoulith personally welcomed the country’s defence minister, Admiral Dong Jun.
President Thongloun said he greatly appreciated Admiral Dong Jun and his delegation’s attendance at the meeting, which he added was an important contribution to enhancing the friendship, comprehensive strategic partnership, stable and long-term relationship between Laos and China.