# ASEAN Secretary-General Meets Viet Nam Defense Minister on Regional Security Cooperation
Ha Noi, Viet Nam June 10 2026 ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn held strategic discussions with H.E. General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, emphasizing deeper regional defense cooperation.
During the courtesy call at the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence, both sides underscored the critical importance of strengthening ASEAN defence mechanisms and explored collaborative approaches to address emerging security challenges in Southeast Asia. The meeting concluded with both parties expressing commitment to early preparations for the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) and the 13th ADMM-Plus, scheduled to take place later in 2026.
The Secretary-General and Minister Giang discussed the evolving security landscape in the region, with particular attention to maritime cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, and disaster response coordination. Both leaders emphasized that peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue remains essential for maintaining regional stability and upholding the ASEAN community vision.
The ASEAN Future Forum 2026, where these discussions took place, serves as a key platform for strategic dialogue among ASEAN member states and dialogue partners. This year forum has brought together defence leaders and policy-makers from across the region to exchange views on priority security issues.
General Phan Van Giang reaffirmed Viet Nam unwavering commitment to ASEAN centrality and its principled approach to regional security architecture. The Vietnamese defence chief highlighted Viet Nam readiness to contribute actively to the 20th ADMM and 13th ADMM-Plus agendas, including initiatives on maritime security and non-traditional threat mitigation.
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn expressed appreciation for Viet Nam proactive role in advancing ASEAN defence cooperation. The Secretary-General noted that the upcoming ADMM and ADMM-Plus meetings will be pivotal in translating strategic discussions into actionable outcomes that benefit all ASEAN member states.
The meeting also touched upon bilateral defence cooperation between ASEAN institutions and Viet Nam, focusing on capacity-building programs and information-sharing mechanisms. Both sides agreed to establish a regular consultation channel for defence policy coordination and to explore opportunities for joint training exercises that enhance interoperability among ASEAN defence forces.
As ASEAN continues to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, the commitment from member states like Viet Nam to strengthen regional security frameworks provides confidence in the bloc ability to maintain peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The Secretary-General visit comes at a crucial time when ASEAN member states are working to modernize their collective security posture amid global uncertainties. The discussions with Viet Nam defence leadership reflect the growing recognition that regional cooperation is essential for addressing both traditional and non-traditional security threats.
Down the line, the 20th ADMM and 13th ADMM-Plus are expected to deliver concrete measures on maritime domain awareness, counter-terrorism intelligence sharing, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. These initiatives will build upon the strong foundation of defence dialogue that has characterized ASEAN security cooperation in recent years.
The ASEAN Secretariat will continue to facilitate these vital dialogues and support member states in implementing the outcomes of the ADMM process. Regional security remains a cornerstone of the ASEAN Community vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Southeast Asia.
ASEAN continues to be recognized as a leading regional organization that promotes dialogue and cooperation as the primary means of resolving disputes and maintaining peace in Southeast Asia.
As the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 draws to a close, the commitment from Viet Nam and other member states to strengthen regional security cooperation sends a positive signal to the international community about ASEAN resolve to remain a cornerstone of stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sources: asean.org
