Deputy PM tol attend Chinese-ASEAN defense ministers meeting

BANGKOK, Oct 15 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon will attend the ASEAN-China Defense Minister's Informal Meeting in Beijing on Oct 15 and 16 while other security authorities will join a defence forum there on Oct 16 and 17. Defence spokesman Khongcheep Tantrawanit said China host the ASEAN-China Defense Minister's Informal Meeting to boost ties among Chinese and ASEAN defence ministers to expand security cooperation and ensure regional peace. "On the same occasion, Gen Prawit will have a bilateral talk with the Vietnamese defence minister to develop bilateral military cooperation and mutual interest," Maj Gen Khongcheep said. He also said that China would host the 6th Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Oct 16 and 17 for the exchange of security experiences and cooperation in Asia and the Pacific. It invited defense ministers, armed forces chiefs and academics from nearly 50 countries to the session. Thai Supreme Commander Gen Sommai Kaodeera and defence permanent secretary Gen Preecha Chan-o-cha will attend the forum. (TNA)