ASEAN defense chiefs forge closer defense, military alliances

Defense chiefs of the Southeast Asian nations have agreed to forge closer defense and military alliances to strengthen the common front against terrorism in the region.

The defense chiefs and military leaders of the nations comprising the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) want to coordinate their efforts against upcoming security challenges in the region for the six-day fourth ASEAN Chiefs of Defense Forces Informal Meeting (ACDFIM) and the ASEAN Military Intelligence Informal Meeting (AMIIM) held here.

The focus of the summit is the need to address the rising threat of terrorism in the region and ASEAN’s contribution to the global effort.

"After six days of informal talks, presentations, drafting of resolutions and discussions, the delegates were able to map out plans to strengthen and develop cooperative action and measures in addressing the regional security challenges of ASEAN member nations," Armed Forces Public Information Office chief Col. Tristan Kison said.

Kison stressed the conduct of the ACDFIM and AMIIM would be beneficial, not only for the country that hosted the summits, but also for the entire ASEAN member states and other countries.

He said the delegates have begun in earnest to explore and review the proposed defense arrangements.

Kison said both the ACDFIM and AMIIM are expected to boost the anti-terrorism campaign and help maintain peace and security in the region.

"The ASEAN region has been the target of terrorist attacks, and could suffer major terrorist attacks in the future," Kison said.

With the gains obtained in the six-day ACFIM and AMIIM, it would tremendously help in combating the threat of terrorism in Southeast Asia, he said.

Kison said the delegates discussed the need for mutual understanding and cooperation among participating states and the determination of each government to assert its authority and supremacy over groups seeking to destroy peace and stability in the region.

For starters, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia have already begun discussions to establish a line of defense against terror groups and sea pirates along their common sea borders.

The three countries have engaged in military exercises in the past on the sealanes considered to be the routes of terrorists and pirates.

Australia for its part, has just concluded joint naval exercises in the country’s southern backdoor, in an attempt to strengthen the anti-terrorism capability of both countries.