ASEAN to enhance cooperation in addressing security issues

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Southeast Asian leaders on Thursday expressed their determination to strengthen cooperation in addressing a number of securityrelated issues in the region, saying it is important for the establishment of an ASEAN Political-Security Community.

The leaders encouraged redoubled efforts to fight against terrorism and tackle transnational crime, the increasing non- traditional security threats, trafficking in persons, and the threats posed by landmines and other explosive remnants of war in the region, said a an official statement.

"We recognized that maritime security, including maritime safety, is crucial to a vibrant, peaceful, stable and resilient Southeast Asia, and therefore encouraged the strengthening of regional cooperation in maritime security" through capacity building, exchanging of experiences and sharing of best practices, said the Chairman's Statement of the 22nd summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

ASEAN, established in 1967, groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

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