WORLD> Asia-Pacific
ASEAN to strengthen ties with China and rest of Asia
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-03-02 09:20


ASEAN leaders join hands after signing the declaration at the 14th Summit of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in Hua Hin, Thailand, March 1, 2009. [Xinhua] 

ASEAN is expected to convene the ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3 and East Asia Summits in Thailand in April. "I hope ASEAN's partners will come up with ideas and initiatives that will strengthen our community building," he said.

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"In time of crisis, we should avoid protectionism, to help each other more in trying to stimulate our economies together, not only short-term, but also long-term, such as the infrastructure, the human resources, competitiveness of our economies," said Surin.

Leaders of 10 ASEAN member countries Sunday concluded their annual meeting in Thailand's coastal town of Cha-am Hua Hin. It is the first meeting at leaders' level after the ASEAN Charter came into force last December which turns the 42-year-old grouping into a rule-based organization.

During the two-day summit, leaders of ASEAN member countries discussed a series of issues including the current financial crisis, ASEAN integration, human rights, among others.

ASEAN groups Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.