ASEAN Leaders to Discuss Strategic Issues from Democracy, and Human Rights to South China Sea Dispute

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from Nov. 9–12 will discuss cooperation in the field of democracy and human rights, said an Indonesian chief minister.

"A number of strategic topics will be discussed at the forum, including cooperation in the field of democracy, human rights, intelligence, and common security," said Coordinating Minister for Political Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD on Monday, Nov. 7.

Mahfud will accompany President Joko Widodo – who will officially take over the ASEAN chair from Cambodia – to the summit.

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"Of course, what the ASEAN Summit wants to achieve is [the goal of] the long-established basic principles, that is, a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region for the ASEAN community, which is increasingly becoming larger," he said.

ASEAN is a highly-respected forum in the world. Its neutrality is expected to build calmness and peace in international relations.

"This must be strengthened in the future," the minister said.

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Other strategic issues that will be discussed at the ASEAN Summit are the South China Sea, human trafficking, and Myanmar, he added.

ASEAN or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations comprises Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Source: State News Antara