Cambodia Joins ADMM-Plus Security Talks in Cebu as ASEAN Defence Chiefs Focus on Unity

Phnom Penh, October 30, 2026: Cambodia took part in the second day of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) in the Philippines, with H.E. Lieutenant General Rath Dararoth, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence, representing H.E. General Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, at the talks.

Held at the Mactan Convention Center, the meeting gathered Defence Ministers and delegation heads from all 11 ASEAN member states and eight Plus countries—Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the United States.

H.E. Lieutenant General Rath Dararoth delivered an intervention during the exchange of views on regional and international security issues, speaking as the high representative of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The ADMM-Plus followed the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, on Oct. 28, 2026, chaired by the Philippines. Since its establishment in 2006, the ADMM has served as a platform for ASEAN defence leaders to strengthen dialogue, build mutual trust and advance practical cooperation on shared security concerns.

Photo: ASEAN 2026 PH
Under the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together," the Cebu meeting underscored ASEAN's commitment to regional peace, security, stability and resilience through cooperation and ASEAN centrality, with the trust built there set to guide the bloc toward the ASEAN Summit in November.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. used the 20th ADMM to call for stronger ASEAN unity, deeper defence cooperation and open dialogue, setting out three key messages aimed at reinforcing solidarity and collective action for regional peace and security.

Source: Ministry of National Defence;


Philippine Department of National Defense


Reported by The Khmer Daily Network