DILI, 29 may 2023 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste and Indonesia will co-chair the ASEAN Regional Forum Defense Official’s Dialogue (ARF-DOD) and the ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Support Group Meeting on Confidence Building Measures and Preventive Diplomacy (ARF ISG on CBMs and PD) from the 30th to 31st may, 2023, in Dili, Timor-Leste.
During the two-day meeting, the officials from ASEAN Regional Forum participating countries will discuss various emerging regional security issues and plans to enhance regional security and stability through confidence-building measures (CBMs) and preventive diplomacy (PD), including fostering open discussions and promoting collaboration in defense-related matters.
Under the theme of “Peace, Prosperity, and Security”, ARF-DOD’s lead countries will share their views and experiences on topics related to the blue economy, global warming, and post Covid-19 pandemic. In this regard, member states will have an exchange of views on how the Defense sector can support the blue economy to achieve sustainable peace and prosperity, the emerging security challenges resulting from global warming impacts, and efforts to explore wider areas of cooperation to enhance the region resilience post-Covid-19 pandemic.
Whereas, ARF ISG on CBMs and PD participants will exchange their views on the regional security development; reports on outcomes of the work of ARF ISGs and other activities, as well as planning for the next 2023-2024’s Inter-Sessional Year.
The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was established in 1994 and serves as a forum for dialogue and consultation among participating countries on issues related to politics and security in the region, intending to minimize threats to regional stability and security. The Forum is comprised of 27 countries namely: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, the United States of America, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, including ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC).
Timor-Leste joined the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2005 and this will be the first time for Timor-Leste to co-chair this DOD and ISG meeting.
More than 80 Delegates from 20 ARF Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the European Union will participate in these two-days meeting.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
