Continuing to implement the ASEAN Peacekeeping Partnership Action Plan

After three days of holding in Vietnam, the 8th ASEAN Peacekeeping Centers Network Conference (APCN 2023) has completed the agenda, achieving the set goals and requirements to continue to further strengthen the Partnership on peacekeeping operations among ASEAN members.

On the afternoon of June 15, the APCN 2023 Conference closed in Hanoi, with the participation of delegates from member countries and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat.

Chairing the closing ceremony, Colonel Pham Manh Thang - Director of the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department (VPA) said that the Conference approved the Conference Minutes with specific results, which summarized and evaluated the progress of the APCN Network, and agreed on the direction and method of operation in the following years.

Tiếp tục triển khai Kế hoạch hành động Đối tác gìn giữ hoà bình ASEAN

Director of the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department, Chair of APCN 2023, transferred the APCN flag to the representative of Indonesia, rotating Chair of APCN 2024. (Photo: Trong Duc)

The conference agreed to continue implementing the ASEAN Peacekeeping Partnership Action Plan with a focus on the ASEAN Peacekeeping Command and Staff Exercise (APSE) within the APCN framework, to enhance training capacity and coordination in effectively performing tasks at the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, making a practical contribution to the common peacekeeping efforts of the international community.

Colonel Pham Manh Thang thanked the delegations of APCN member countries for their enthusiastic participation and effective and practical contributions to the Conference, especially the plenary sessions and thematic discussions; at the same time, he congratulated Indonesia - the member assuming the role of APCN Chair, Host of APCN Conference 2024 and pledged to closely coordinate with Indonesia to successfully organize the next APCN Conference.

At the Conference, the Director of the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department, Chairman of APCN 2023, transferred the APCN flag to the representative of Indonesia, the rotating Chairman of APCN 2024. Colonel Pham Manh Thang also presented certificates of attendance at the 8th APCN Conference to the delegates.

After receiving the APCN flag transfer from Vietnam (APCN 2023 host country), Rear Admiral Retino Kunto - Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces (APCN 2024 rotating Chair), said that the biggest goal of the ASEAN Peacekeeping Centers Network is to promote and enhance cooperation among peacekeeping centers of member countries through experience sharing, expert exchange and other capacity building activities in this field.

Delegates of the APCN 2023 Conference take a souvenir photo. (Photo: Trong Duc)

Rear Admiral Retino Kunto MT Opsla highly appreciated the preparation and successful organization of the Conference by host Vietnam.

He assessed that the APCN Conference held at this time is appropriate in promoting intra-bloc cooperation commitments and building strategic steps to respond to many emerging challenges.

In addition, the Conference brought about positive results towards peace and stability in the region through cooperative relationships and mutual understanding based on the foundation of mutual respect in Southeast Asia.

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