In his opening remarks, Philippine Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana affirmed that ADMM+ is an important framework for involved countries to boost practical cooperation, thus contributing to global peace and security. He expressed his hope that the countries would expand cooperation in a series of security and defence issues, including terrorism and extremism prevention, maritime and cyber security, and disaster rescue. The ADMM+ took place just one day after the 11th ADMM, focusing on security challenges in the region such as terrorism, drug crime and maritime conflicts.

The ADMM+ is a platform for ASEAN defense ministers to engage their dialogue partners from Asia and the Pacific, which include the US, Japan, China, Australia, India, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and Russia.