By Liu Xuanjian and Xiao Liming
BEIJING, Dec. 18 -- The 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts' Working Group (EWG) on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) was hosted by the Army Engineering University of PLA in China's Nanjing City on December 13. Co-chaired by China and Cambodia, the event was attended by representatives from 14 member states of the ADMM-Plus, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC).
Participants exchanged views on the EWG's work review of the 2021-2023 cycle, considerations for the next cycle, and arrangements related to the ASEAN mine clearance standard operation procedures. This event will have a positive impact on the promotion of extensive exchanges and in-depth cooperation among member states, and enhance the role of the ADMM-Plus EWG on HMA in solving regional mine-related problems.
China and Cambodia, as co-chairs of the ADMM-Plus EWG on HMA during the 2021-2023 cycle, have maintained a normalized consultation mechanism. With the strong support of the ASEAN Secretariat, ADMM-Plus member states, and relevant international organizations, they have held four EWG meetings, one mine-clearance training session, and one multinational joint mine-clearance operation, which have provided useful guidance and assistance to ASEAN countries in carrying out mine action and made positive contributions to effectively solving mine-related problems in the region.