31st Asean Summit begins

Manila, Nov 13: The 31st Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian tions (Asean) and related meetings began here on Monday, with leaders of 10 member-tions and dialogue partners convening to discuss security, cooperation and regiol integration. The Philippines, Asean’s rotating chair for 2017, set the theme of “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”, putting security and regiol integrity high on the agenda, reports Xinhua news agency.

At the opening ceremony, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said that the next two days will present excellent opportunities for Asean leaders and their dialogue partners to engage in meaningful discussions on matters of regiol and intentiol importance. “Terrorism and violent extremism endanger the peace, stability and security of our region because these threats know no boundaries,” he said. Indian Prime Minister rendra Modi also attended the opening ceremony. Leaders of 10 Asean countries and six of its dialogue partners, mely Australia, Chi, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, will meet for their first Regiol Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) leaders’ meeting on Tuesday, the first such meeting after related negotiations started in 2012. (IANS)

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