Lieutenant General Rath Dararoth, Secretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, led a Cambodian defence delegation to the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) at the Mactan convention centre in Cebu, the Philippines, on the morning of October 28, 2026. He represented General Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence. The meeting brought together defence ministers and heads of delegation from all 11 ASEAN member states, highlighting the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing regional security challenges.
The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting is an important forum for member states to exchange views, strengthen mutual understanding and promote defence cooperation in response to evolving regional and global security challenges. As the international situation becomes increasingly complex, constructive dialogue, mutual trust and coordination among member states are essential to building lasting peace and stability. Cooperation within the ADMM framework also helps foster understanding and collaboration on shared security issues, based on mutual respect and the common interests of countries in the region.
The Cambodian defence delegation’s participation demonstrated Cambodia’s continued active engagement within ASEAN and its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with fellow member states. Continued dialogue and close cooperation among ASEAN countries are considered an important foundation for enhancing collective security and resolving challenges peacefully. Through this forum, Cambodia continues to support building a strong, united ASEAN Community capable of jointly maintaining peace, stability and sustainable development in the region. By: Sopheak
