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ASEAN to launch defense ministers hotline this year
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Naval Base in preparation for the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism Exercise. (BT/ Ridhwan Kamarulzaman)
A hotline for defense ministers in ASEAN will be launched this year, said Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
The announcement was made by the Defense Minister and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Tuesday in a speech during the 55th RBAF anniversary celebration at the Defense Academy, Tanah Jambu.
Also known as Direct Communications Link (DCL), the hotline will enable defense ministers of the 10-nation bloc to communicate directly and arrive at mutual decisions in handling crises.
The sultan initially broached the hotline proposal during Brunei’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2013, seeking to defuse misunderstandings, prevent unintended incidents and promote rapid response to emergency situations, particularly in maritime security.
The monarch previously said the DCL, which was subsequently taken up under the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) framework, will further help to build trust and confidence.
Commenting on the sultanate’s active participation in ADMM and ADMM Plus, the sultan said it is a sign of their commitment and capability in strengthening the country’s position in the midst of a dynamic security landscape.
The sultan further noted Brunei is able to contribute to regional security as well as provide a platform for a wide range of defense and military cooperation despite being a small country.
“Undoubtedly, this is one of the biggest contributions that could help ASEAN member countries and dialogue partners in Asia Pacific to enjoy peace, stability and prosperity together,” said the sultan, adding that Brunei has intensified efforts in defense diplomacy.
The monarch cited the sultanate’s co-chairing of the ADMM Plus Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism Exercise last month as a successful example.
Meanwhile, RBAF Commander Major General Mohd Tawih Abdullah expressed confidence the DCL will pave the way for open and transparent communication among the defense ministers.
“We hope when this is implemented, we will see better communication between the ASEAN defense ministers,” he said in an interview with local media Tuesday.
He described the impending launch as a “very significant” step towards fostering mutual understanding as the hotline will provide defense ministers with the means to communicate with one another directly.
“We’ll see how it develops and how practical it is... Within ASEAN, I don’t think there would be any major problems in implementing this initiative,” said the commander.
