Speaking at the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus, Shoigu affirmed “Russia is ready to provide all the necessary assistance in strengthening the capabilities of the ASEAN member states and dialogue partners in order to effectively counter these threat.”

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Photo: globalriskinsights.com

Shoigu said that after seven years of establishment, the council of defense ministers of the ASEAN member states and dialogue partners has turned into an effective mechanism for regional military cooperation. 

“We have good potential for cooperation in fighting international terrorism, ensuring maritime security, humanitarian interaction, emergency management and demining”, he stated. 

He said that the joint statement on counter terrorism, adopted by Russia and ASEAN in August, is an important milestone and is billed as the first step towards joint actions to combat the influence of Islamic State (IS). 

He thanked the ASEAN member states for fruitful cooperation within the council of defense ministers of the ASEAN member states and dialogue partners. 

He also noted that there is an increasing flow of capital into Asia-Pacific to support terror groups, thus it is necessary for international communities to join hands to wipe out all of them, first of all, the IS.

Source: VNA