Asia, Mideast to discuss terrorism

Asia, Mideast to discuss terrorism

SINGAPORE: Officials from some 40 Middle East and Asian countries are expected to gather in the city-state from Monday for the first official dialogue between the two regions. The dialogue is likely to focus on terrorism and expanding business links, Singapore officials have said.

The inaugural Asia-Middle East Dialogue -- an event proposed by Singapore -- will also feature representation from the Palestinian National Authority, said Ambassador Tommy Koh, the chairman of the three-day event.

Koh said it was an opportunity for countries to learn from one another and "discern opportunities for cooperation between the sides."

Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Qatar are among the countries from the Middle East sending representatives. From Asia, delegates from China, Japan, South Korea, India and all 10 Southeast Asian nations are attending, Koh said at a media briefing.

Cooperation against terrorism, political reform and trade links are scheduled for discussion, a provisional program distributed by Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs showed.

The next Asia-Middle East dialogue will be held in Egypt in 2007, Koh added. -- AP