ASEAN mulls Russia's plea to join summit

ASEAN mulls Russia's plea to join summit

MALAYSIA: Southeast Asian nations have not decided whether to allow Russia to participate in a regional summit in Kuala Lumpur next month, Malaysian officials said on Wednesday.

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations has invited China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand to join the inaugural East Asia summit. But ASEAN officials have said it isn't clear yet whether Russia, which has been lobbying for a place at the meeting, would be included.

"Russia's request is being considered by ASEAN members," Zainal Abidin Osman, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry's parliamentary secretary, was quoted as saying by the national news agency, Bernama. "If all the parties agree, Russia will be invited to the upcoming summit."

Zainal Abidin, responding to a question about the summit in Parliament, said it was expected to be an "inclusive" event where nations with substantive relations with ASEAN can participate.

Asked whether the United States might take part, Zainal Abidin said Washington has not formally made a request, but "our country would welcome the United States' participation if it fulfills the required criteria." -- AP