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South Korea Expands Role in East Asia

South Korea Expands Role in East Asia President Roh Moo-hyun returned home Friday after wrapping up a Southeast Asian tour in which he tried to strengthen South Korea’s economic ties with nations in the region and expand the nation’s role in building an East Asian community. While seeking ways of improving the country’s relations with Malaysia and the Philippines, Roh tried to play a leading role in the ASEAN+3 Summit and the first East Asian Summit (EAS) in Kuala Lumpur. ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ``The tour has largely contributed to the promotion of the nation’s interests and

Head to Asia but don’t overlook ASEAN, PM Lee urges French businessmen

Head to Asia but don't overlook ASEAN, PM Lee urges French businessmen PARIS : Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has urged government and business leaders in Paris to head east and have a stake in Asia's promise and prosperity. But he added that there were other options outside China and India, like ASEAN. Mr Lee also met French President Jacques Chirac. The two leaders discussed anti-terrorism efforts in Asia and Europe, and cooperation between the two countries. Both of them expressed the desire to deepen ties. Other issues on the agenda were efforts by ASEAN countries to enhance investor confidence

Putin seeks to raise Russia’s profile in Asia

Putin seeks to raise Russia's profile in Asia KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin will be seeking this week seek to raise Russia's profile in Asia and help the country grab a larger share of the region's fast-growing energy and technology markets. Putin, who flew into the Malaysian capital, is expected to sign a pact with the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) later on Tuesday, a day ahead of the first East Asia Summit, to which Russia has been invited as an observer with a view to deepening ties. Business leaders said Russia's invitation to take part in a

US, Southeast Asia sign trade, liberalisation pact

US, Southeast Asia sign trade, liberalisation pact The United States and 10 Southeast Asian nations signed a trade and investment agreement on Friday that opens the door to possible free-trade talks. US trade representative Susan Schwab signed the trade and investment framework agreement in Malaysia with the 10 member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean). The can-do spirit of the members of Asean reflects the can-do spirit we are so proud of in the United States, Schwab told reporters after signing the pact. The Tifa with Asean represents an important step forward in the trade relationship

Rice To Discuss Common Security Challenges at Southeast Asia Forum

Rice To Discuss Common Security Challenges at Southeast Asia Forum Strengthening relationships between the United States and Southeast Asian countries and discussing common security challenges in the region will be the focus of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rices visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the 13th meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). During a roundtable discussion with Asian print journalists July 21, Rice said the ARF meeting July 28 will give her an opportunity to continue [the] process of deepening the ties with the member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) -- Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,