U.S. Defense Secretary Austin Strengthens Ties with ASEAN at Vientiane Meeting
Vientiane, Laos – U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III participated in the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Vientiane, Laos, on November 22-23, 2024. The ADMM-Plus is an annual gathering of defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and eight partner countries: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States.
Key Points of the Meeting:
- Enhanced Maritime Security: Participants discussed the importance of maintaining maritime security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. They emphasized the need for cooperation in preventing illegal activities, such as piracy, smuggling, and human trafficking.
- Terrorism and Extremism: The ministers addressed the threat posed by terrorism and extremism, particularly in Southeast Asia. They stressed the importance of sharing information, coordinating responses, and supporting regional initiatives to combat these challenges.
- Disaster Response and Humanitarian Assistance: The meeting highlighted the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Participants explored ways to enhance cooperation in disaster response and humanitarian assistance, including capacity building and joint exercises.
- Defense Technology and Innovation: The ministers discussed the need to promote defense technology and innovation. They emphasized the importance of research and development, as well as cooperation between governments and the private sector.
- Women, Peace, and Security: Participants emphasized the importance of women’s participation in defense and security. They discussed initiatives aimed at increasing the representation and leadership of women in the military and defense institutions.
Secretary Austin’s Bilateral Meetings:
In addition to the multilateral discussions, Secretary Austin held bilateral meetings with several ASEAN defense ministers. Key topics included:
- Cooperation with Laos: Secretary Austin expressed the U.S.’s commitment to strengthening defense ties with Laos, including through joint exercises and capacity building programs.
- Indo-Pacific Security: Secretary Austin discussed the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region with his counterparts from Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
- Ukraine Conflict: Secretary Austin briefed ASEAN defense ministers on the ongoing war in Ukraine and its implications for global security.
Outcomes and Significance:
The ADMM-Plus meeting in Vientiane provided a platform for strengthening defense cooperation between ASEAN and its partner countries. It reaffirmed the commitment to a stable, prosperous, and secure Asia-Pacific region.
Secretary Austin’s participation in the meeting underscores the U.S.’s commitment to its allies and partners in Southeast Asia. It reflects the importance the United States places on building military-to-military relationships and promoting regional security.
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