Terror high on agenda of ASEAN Summit

The convention on counter-terrorism will dominate the 12th ASEAN summit.

The fight against terrorism is expected to gain spotlight over other issues reflecting common security concerns among countries who will attend the 12th ASEAN Summit here next week.

HT Image

From the 24 draft documents to be taken up for discussion by the ASEAN leaders, the convention on counter-terrorism will dominate the summit as it tries to raise the ramparts against security threats, a common concern among the member nations.

A committee in charge of security and transnational crime is already working on the convention which will involve different forms of cooperation like information exchange to combat terrorism, particularly international terrorism, a statement issued here said.

The draft on anti-terrorism is likely to be signed by the 10-member countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam at the summit, scheduled to begin from December 10.

Other initiatives which will figure on the agenda of the Summit include Cebu Roadmap, the ASEAN declaration on the blueprint of its Charter; HIV/AIDS and commitments towards protection and welfare of children, Cebu Declaration on the Rights of Migrant Workers; the acceleration of the ASEAN Community, and the ASEAN Environmental Ministers Declaration on Enhancing Sustainable Development, the statement said.