Vietnam to host ASEAN naval chiefs meeting

The 5th ASEAN Naval Chiefs' Meeting (ANCM-5), which will be held in Vietnam on July 26-29, with participation of naval commanders from nine ASEAN member countries and the Lao defence attache in Vietnam. According to Vietnam News Agency on Tuesday, it is the first time Vietnam hosts such defense cooperation event, during which delegates will share views and discuss cooperative measures to respond to security challenges in the region, among other issues. The report quoted Vice Commander of the Vietnam People's Navy, Vice Admiral Pham Ngoc Minh as saying that the meeting, themed " ASEAN Naval Cooperation for Sea Peace and Security." The meeting is aimed at raising responsibility and defining the importance of cooperation between naval forces of each ASEAN member, in maintaining peace, stability and development in the region. Participants will discuss Vietnam's initiatives for ASEAN naval cooperation and the exchange of young naval officers between ASEAN countries. They also register their cooperative activities for 2011 and 2012. Vietnam will host the first exchange among ASEAN young naval officers, scheduled for early 2012, Minh said.