Participants attend the 13th annual meeting and 5th retreat of Track II Network of ASEAN Defence and Security Institutions (NADI) opened in the central city of Đà Nẵng on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Quốc Dũng

ĐÀ NẴNG — The 13th annual meeting and fifth retreat of the Track II Network of ASEAN Defence and Security Institutions (NADI) opened in the central city of Đà Nẵng on Tuesday.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen Lieut Gen Nguyễn Chí Vịnh joined hundreds of delegates from defence and security institutions and centres in ASEAN countries at the event.

In his remarks, Vịnh said defence co-operation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had expanded and achieved results in various spheres.

The Deputy Minister suggested NADI propose initiatives to promote collaboration in areas the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) is focusing on.

NADI should carry forward its pioneer role in analysing, assessing and forecasting risks to defence and security, put forth response solutions, and provide consultancy regarding defence and security partnership for each country and the grouping at large, he said.

Vịnh expressed his hope that the event would enhance defence co-operation for a cohesive and resilient ASEAN which is adaptive to regional geopolitical changes, and for a region of peace, co-operation and development.

During the two-day meeting, delegates will discuss the strategic competition between powers, regional geopolitical changes as well as opportunities and challenges to ASEAN’s centrality.

They will also share views on the global and regional political and security situation, and emerging security issues in the region, among others.

Since its inception 13 years ago, NADI has contributed to strengthening defence co-operation in ASEAN through proposals and recommendations to the ASEAN Defence Senior Officers’ Meeting (ADSOM) and the ADMM, as well as policy consultations for the governments of ASEAN member countries.

As the Chair of ASEAN in 2020, Việt Nam has selected the theme of 'Defence co-operation for a cohesive and resilient ASEAN' for the year. — VNS