Manila:Laos recently attended the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting held in the Philippines. The meeting was chaired by Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. and saw the participation of defence ministers from ASEAN member states as well as representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat. The event took place under the theme 'Navigating Our Shared ASEAN Future.'

According to Lao News Agency, the meeting resulted in the adoption of five new initiative documents. Notably, a concept paper was jointly drafted by the Lao PDR and Malaysia concerning rules, regulations, and protocols for organising ADMM and ADMM-Plus meetings.

Additionally, the ministers adopted two significant declarations the Manila Joint Declaration, which marks the 20th anniversary of the ADMM, and a declaration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. Other key issues were discussed, including preparations for the upcoming 13th ADMM-Plus Meeting, which is planned for October 29, 2026.

The Lao delegation is also set to participate in the ASEAN-United States and ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers' Informal Meetings on October 28, followed by the 13th ADMM-Plus Meeting on October 29.