Vientiane: An annual gathering of defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) commenced in Laos, bringing together leaders to discuss significant issues in the defense sector. Under the chairmanship of Laos, the summit launched with a series of bilateral meetings conducted alongside the main event. According to Anadolu Agency, the 18th annual meeting opened with remarks from ASEAN's Secretary-General, Kao Kim Hourn, who emphasized the need for enhanced practical cooperation and external engagement in defense. The summit concluded with the adoption of key guiding documents and decisions, with specifics of the bilateral meetings shared on the social media platform X. Throughout the summit, Kao Kim Hourn engaged in bilateral discussions with several prominent defense leaders. In talks with New Zealand's Defense Minister Judith Collins KC, he praised New Zealand's focus on addressing climate change impacts, particularly in its role as co-chair of the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Grou p on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief for 2024-2027. Kao also met with Malaysia's Defense Minister, Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, reiterating ASEAN's support for Malaysia as it prepares for its ASEAN chairmanship in 2025. Additionally, discussions with China's Defense Minister Dong Jun highlighted Beijing's commitment to advancing ASEAN defense cooperation. In another significant engagement, Kao participated in an informal ASEAN-US defense ministers' meeting. He underscored the importance of the ASEAN-US defense collaboration within the ADMM-Plus framework, contributing to the broader ASEAN-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.