Asean has a role in global peace and security

epa05529797 A general view of the 11th East Asia Summit within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits at the National Convention Center (NCC), in Vientiane, Laos, 08 September 2016. Laos is hosting the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits from 06 to 08 September 2016. EPA/MAST IRHAM

AT the recently concluded Asean Summits in Lao PDR, the deliberations and decisions – particularly of the East Asia Summit (EAS) attended by 18 countries namely the Asean member States, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, United States, and the Russian Federation – for future cooperation and action are of crucial importance.

The EAS, given its broad-ranging membership, presents the best opportunity to address and tackle strategic, political, economic and social issues of common concern and interest confronting both the region and the international community.