Philippines Defence Official Calls For Preserving Asean Solidarity
MANILA, Aug 27 (NNN-PNA) -- A Philippine Department of National Defence (DND) official underscored the need to preserve the solidarity and centrality of ASEAN and its strategic autonomy amid an increasingly complex regional security environment, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.
DND Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning Ignacio Madriaga stressed this during the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials' Meeting (ADSOM) held virtually on Wednesday, the agency said in a news release late Wednesday.
“ASEAN must never compromise its solidarity and the autonomy which underpins its freedom from undue influence and interest antagonistic to any of our member states," Madriaga, speaking in his capacity as ADSOM chair, said.
The DND executive highlighted the importance of collective action as the region confronts traditional and emerging security challenges.
ADSOM discussions aimed at advancing regional defence cooperation and preparing key document outcomes for forthcoming ASEAN defence engagements.
Madriaga said 2026 marks an important milestone for ASEAN defence cooperation since the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) commemorates 20 years of dialogue and cooperation.
“Proceed with the shared sense of purpose, guided by ASEAN centrality and genuine autonomy, and honouring the commitments and decisions that have earned ASEAN its credibility,” he said.
Madriaga also highlighted the need to ensure that the regional bloc's external defence engagements are sustained to cater to the collective and individual interests of its member countries.
“As we maintain ASEAN openness as a neutral arbiter of regional security affairs, we also cannot overemphasise the importance of pursuing engagement with the Plus Countries collectively and individually in a balanced and constructive manner, with utmost respect for ASEAN values and the valid interests of its Member States,” he added.
-- NNN-BERNAMA-PNA
TAGS: ASEAN, defence, solidarity, centrality, regional
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