VietNamNet Bridge – Deputies from 14 nations participating in the 2015 Pacific Area Security Sector Working Group (PASSWG) agreed to ensure equal benefits for all nations, respect their independence and sovereignty, and settle disputes peacefully in line with international law and regional agreements.

Major General Nguyen Dinh Tien, deputy head commander of Military Zone 5, and the co-host of PASSWG 2015, spoke at the closing ceremony yesterday, May 29.

"Pacific Area plays a crucial role in the development of the whole world in the 21st century," Tien said. "However, a series of challenges in traditional and non-traditional security have impacted peace, stability and security in every country in the region. We need to strengthen co-operation to deal with and respond to challenges in the region for the present and future peace and stability."

PASSWG 2015 would also help boost bilateral and multilateral defence co-operation, he said.

"PASSWG 2015, co-hosted by Viet Nam's Army and the Pacific Special Operations Command, also helps build trust between the two armies of Viet Nam and the US as we mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties," he added.

The five-day PASSWG 2015 drew 75 deputies from Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (observer), Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand, the US and Viet Nam. It included group discussions on the East Sea Conundrum, the Maritime Domain Operating Environment from the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS), and the Viet Nam Perspective on East Sea Maritime Security by Viet Nam's Coast Guard.

Deputies also focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and combating terrorism, among others in the region.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Dean of APCSS Carleton Cramer expressed his thanks for the hospitality of the host, the success of PASSWG and participation from the countries involved.

He said PASSWG 2015 helped celebrate the normalisation of relations between Viet Nam and the US, as well as the Comprehensive Partnership that President Barack Obama and Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang agreed on in 2013.

Indonesia will host the next meeting in 2016.

VNS