ASEAN sets out to plot security

ASEAN sets out to plot security

SINGAPORE (AFP): Top officials of the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) yesterday set out to plot a framework to
enhance regional security, and discuss dates for a summit of
Asian and European leaders.

Kamil Jaafar, secretary-general of Malaysia's foreign
ministry, said ASEAN's senior officials would draw up a list of
participants and possible dates for the Asia-EU summit, expected
to be held early next year.

Thailand has agreed to host the summit, proposed by Singapore
Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong during his visit to France in
October, Kamil said.

He is leading a Malaysian delegation to the three-day meeting
on Singapore's Sentosa Island resort. Brunei is chairing the
talks.

Officials would also plough through proposed "confidence-
building" measures for the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), to work
out a framework agreeable to all in ASEAN before taking it up
with the world's major powers.