A Vietnamese general has affirmed the importance of comprehensive approach to security and praised the undoubted role of the armed forces in defending national sovereignty.

Deputy Minister of Defence Senior Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Huy Hieu made the statement at the Security Policy Conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF), which was held in Manila, the Philippines, on May 24.

He also said the armed forces play an important role in overcoming natural disasters, rescue and relief work and reducing poverty.

The conference is held annually as part of the ARF and is attended by defence officials from ARF members.