Vietnam proposed to establish a group of experts to overcome consequences of unexploded ordnance left from wars at the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADSOM) in Brunei on April 2.

 Addressing the event, Deputy Defence Minister, Senior Lieut. Gen Nguyen Chi Vinh stressed that the initiative will assist not only Vietnam but also other regional countries which are facing serious consequences and threats of bombs, mines and explosives.

 It also contributes to maintaining peace, stability and development in the region, he said.

 The initiative won support from delegates who said that it will contribute to enhancing cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) and bringing practical interests to people in the region.

 Earlier, at the ADSOM Plus Working Group meeting, ADMM Plus member countries supported Vietnam’s initiative.

 India said it is willing to work with Vietnam to co-chair the group after the initiative is approved by defence ministers of the ADMM Plus.

 The ADSOM discussed preparation for the seventh ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-7) in May and the second ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) in October.

 The delegates discussed a number of new initiatives which will further contribute towards the progress and wider development of the ADMM. The ADSOM also considered several new initiatives which will be brought forward to the ADMM for adoption.

VNA