General Khamlieng Outhakaisone (fourth from left) attends the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Cebu, the Philippines, on Tuesday.

Laos reaffirms support for regional security at ASEAN defence meeting

The government has reiterated its commitment to regional peace, stability and defence cooperation through its participation in the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in the Philippines, where regional defence leaders adopted new initiatives and joint declarations.
A high-level delegation from Laos, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence,General Khamlieng Outhakaisone, attended the meeting in Cebu, the Philippines, on Tuesday.
General Khamlieng joined defence ministers from other ASEAN member states and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat at the meeting, which was chaired by the Philippine Secretary of National Defence, Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
The meeting sought to strengthen regional defence cooperation and advance ASEAN’s shared priorities.
Defence ministers adopted five new initiatives, including guidance on the rules, principles and protocols governing the organisation of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus meetings. The guidelines were jointly drafted by Laos and Malaysia.
The meeting also adopted the Manila Declaration commemorating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the ADMM, and a joint declaration marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
Ministers discussed related matters and reached consensus on preparations for the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, scheduled for October 29.
The Lao Ministry of Defence delegation is also scheduled to participate in informal ASEAN–United States and ASEAN–Japan Defence Ministers’ meetings on October 28, followed by the 13th ADMM-Plus on October 29.
The meetings provide a platform for ASEAN and its partners to strengthen dialogue, build mutual trust and promote peace, stability and security across the region.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 30, 2026)