France keen to join ARF

France keen to join ARF

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): France yesterday expressed interest in joining the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) on security as it seeks a higher profile in Asia, especially in the Southeast Asian region.

French Foreign Minister Herve de Charette said France was "keen to join" the forum, scheduled to hold its third meeting in Indonesia in July.

"We think as a member of the (United Nations) Security Council, it will be useful to help in (ensuring) security of the region," de Charette told a news conference here at the end of a three-day official visit.

The 19-member ARF includes the seven members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) -- Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Also represented are Britain, China, Russia and the United States -- all permanent members of the UN Security Council like France. The European Union is also represented.