Penang: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers' Meeting has accepted Turkey and Germany as observers for the 2024-2027 period. This decision was made on Wednesday, marking a significant development in international defense collaborations.

According to Anadolu Agency, both Turkey and Germany will participate as observers under the Expert Working Group Observer Program of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus. This acceptance was announced by Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who expressed gratitude and highlighted the consensus achieved under Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship.

The announcement came after a retreat in Penang, Malaysia, where over 150 delegates from ASEAN member states gathered. This event is a component of Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, which is focused on the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.'

ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten member states: Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, and Malaysia. The organization aims to promote economic growth, cultural exchange, and political stability in Southeast Asia.