The statement was made by Deputy Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh at the 7th ASEAN Air force Commanders’ Conference (AACC-7), which opened in Hanoi on August 20.

Vinh said military and national defence cooperation within ASEAN is entering a new phase to address security challenges, especially non-traditional trans-national ones that are arising in the region.

Lt. Gen. Le Huu Duc, commander of Vietnam’s air and air defence force, noted that ASEAN air forces have great potential for cooperation, saying they can work together or share their experiences and specialised skills in various areas.

He suggested that ASEAN air forces increase cooperation in flight safety, search and rescue work and humanitarian and natural disaster relief missions.

At the conference, the Vietnam air and air defence force proposed organising exchanges between young ASEAN air force officers to promote solidarity, friendship and mutual understanding and to work out specific joint activities in the future.