The focus of discussion will be on boosting military co-operation to cope with climate change.

The ARF was first held in Bangkok, Thailand on July 25, 1994. So far 27 countries have joined the forum, including 10 ASEAN countries and 10 of ASEAN’s dialogue partners, including the US, Japan, China, Russia, India, the Republic of Korea. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the EU, Papua New Guinea, Mongolia, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Timor Leste.

Over the past 15 years, the ARF has received warm support from the international community. The twenty-seven members often discuss international and regional issues of mutual concern, especially sensitive issues. It has greatly contributed to regional peace and security by increasing the frequency of dialogue and co-operation, strengthening mutual understanding and trust through exchange and carrying out joint programmes.

As one of the first members, Vietnam and the other ASEAN countries have developed the ARF into a forum of dialogue and co-operation in politics and security, bringing them closer together for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the Asia-Pacific region.