ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting accepts Türkiye, Germany as observers
The logo of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is pictured ahead of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' (AMM) retreat meeting at the Langkawi International Convention Centre in Malaysia's resort island of Langkawi on January 17, 2025 (AFP Photo)
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) has accepted Türkiye and Germany as observers for the 2024-2027 period, marking a step forward in international defense cooperation.
Consensus reached observer status
Malaysia’s Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed the decision on Wednesday, stating that all ASEAN member states agreed on the inclusion of Türkiye and Germany in the ADMM-Plus Expert Working Group Observer Program.
“Today, we are grateful to all and thankful that under this ASEAN chairmanship, it appears that everyone agrees, meaning there is consensus to accept Germany and Türkiye as observers in the ADMM observer program,” Nordin said after chairing the retreat, according to Malaysia’s state news agency Bernama.
Participation in ADMM-Plus
The retreat, held in Penang, Malaysia, brought together more than 150 delegates from ASEAN member states.
The discussions were conducted under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, which operates under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
As observers, Türkiye and Germany will participate in the Expert Working Group under the ADMM-Plus framework, engaging in discussions related to regional security and defense cooperation.
ASEAN’s role in regional security
ASEAN, an intergovernmental organization, consists of 10 member countries: Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
The organization plays a key role in fostering regional stability and security cooperation.
