12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Celebrates 15th Anniversary and Timor-Leste’s First Participation

Kuala lumpur: The 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia, marking a significant milestone of 15 years since its inception. This year’s event was particularly notable for the inclusion of Timor-Leste, participating as a full member of ASEAN for the first time. Brunei Darussalam’s delegation was led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Defence.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the meeting featured an exchange of views on the theme ‘Reflection on 15 Years of ADMM-Plus and Charting the Way Forward,” where leaders praised the progress of ADMM-Plus. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability, emphasizing ASEAN Centrality. A Joint Statement was adopted to commemorate the 15th anniversary of ADMM-Plus. Additionally, the ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting was conducted.

The ASEAN-United States Defence Ministers’ Hi-Tea Reception, co-hosted by the Malaysian Minister of Defence and the United States Secretary of War, was also part of the agenda. Brunei Darussalam had a bilateral meeting with the Republic of Singapore to reinforce strong defence ties.

The event concluded with a ceremonial handover of the ADMM Chairmanship from Malaysia to the Republic of the Philippines, which will chair ASEAN in 2026 under the theme ‘Navigating Our Future Together’.