Region needs U.S. to hold EAEC

Region needs U.S. to hold EAEC

TOKYO (AFP): Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono told a Southeast Asian leader here yesterday that U.S. endorsement was necessary to hold an East Asia Economic Caucus (EAEC) meeting, officials said.

Kono made the remarks at a meeting with Ajit Singh, secretary general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"ASEAN wants to hold an EAEC meeting as soon as possible," Singh was quoted as saying during the 20-minute meeting at the foreign ministry.

Kono said that "it's important to obtain understanding from the United States and other countries concerned" to hold an EAEC meeting.

Singh said the EAEC, proposed by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad to discuss economic matters, was compatible with the 17-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. The United States is reportedly opposed to EAEC, saying it would have a negative effect on APEC.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.