Vietnam joins bomb, mine clearance efforts
Vietnam has proposed establishing a group of experts to overcome consequences of unexploded ordnance left from wars at the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADSOM) in Brunei.
Deputy Defence Minister, Senior Lieut. Gen Nguyen Chi Vinh stressed on April 2 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 and contribute to maintaining peace, stability and development in the region.
Delegates said it will help strengthen cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) bringing practical interests to people in the region.
Earlier, Vietnam’s initiative received great support from ADMM Plus member countries attending the ADSOM Plus Working Group meeting.
India said it is willing to work with Vietnam to co-chair the group after the initiative is approved by ADMM Plus defence ministers.
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.