Hanoi (VNA) – A Vietnamese delegation ledby Acting Commander of the Vietnam AirDefence - Air Force Lt. Gen Vu Van Kha attended the virtual 18th ASEAN Air Chie﷽fs' Conference (AACC-18) under the chair of Commander-in-Chiefof the Royal Thai Air Force Gen. Airbull Suttiwan on September 16.

Onthe topic of optimising cooperation to cope with new challenges, Kha said amidtraditional and non-traditional security challenges, more than ever, ASEAN airforces need to strengthen solidarity and take action together to cope with newchallenges in the region. Heproposed consolidating the collective power of regional air forces in response todisasters and epidemics, as well as new security challenges in the region inthe spirit of solidarity and cooperation between ASEAN member states and othernations in the region and the world. Solidarityand unity in diversity among ASEAN air forces will lay a solid foundation to optimisecapability and collaboration in response to new challenges, contributing tothe building of an ASEAN of peace, stability, sustainable and long-term development,Kha said. Accordingto the officer, ASEAN air forces need to step up the regular implementation ofconsultation mechanism both bilaterally and multilaterally to choose methodssuitable with each nation’s mechanism and capacity. Hesaid that the Air Defence – Air Force of Vietnam wants to further foster bilateralties with air forces of ASEAN nations through the exchange of delegations at all levels and exchanges between youngofficers, education and training, sharing of experience in flight safety,aviation medicine, and search and rescue./.