The 5th ASEAN Naval Chiefs'Meeting (ANCM-5), themed "ASEAN naval cooperation for maritime peace and security", opened?in Hanoi?on Wednesday, with participation of naval chiefs from nine ASEAN member countries of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, and Laos'acting defense attache in Vietnam.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the meeting was chaired by Vietnamese Vice Admiral Nguyen Van Hien, Deputy Minister of Defense and Commander of Vietnam People's Navy.

ANCM-5 provided opportunities for ASEAN navy forces to strengthen mutual confidence, share experience and information of the regional security situation, said Hien.

During the 3-day meeting, participants also discuss two initiatives raised by the host Vietnam, including a roadmap for cooperation among ASEAN navy forces and exchange among ASEAN young navy officers.

ANCM-5 will adopt an official agenda to become an annual event, the report said.