Having no common enemies, actual or potential, ASEAN is not a military alliance or a defence pact, although individual members are free to enter into military arrangements with other countries provided that they do not threaten the security of neighbours. Nevertheless, for many years, defence ministers, armed forces chiefs, and the heads of the military services and intelligence agencies have been in close contact with one another. Security and defence officials take part in the ASEAN Regional Forum. Regional armed forces units have been increasing their cooperation in such civil endeavours as disaster relief and search and rescue. Security authorities have been cooperating in anti-terrorism efforts. In May 2006, a new ASEAN defence ministers' forum convened its inaugural meeting.