26-04-2024 06:05 AM Jerusalem Timing

World Leaders Head to ASEAN Summits

World Leaders Head to ASEAN Summits

Key world leaders including re- elected U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao along with estimated 1,700 foreign media persons are arriving for the ASEAN summits.

ASEANKey world leaders including re- elected U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao along with estimated 1,700 foreign media persons are arriving for the ASEAN summits with the expectation of strengthening ties, officials said on Friday.

The 21st Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related Summits will be held from Nov. 18-20 at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

The events will bring together all ASEAN leaders and the host of world leaders is expected to discuss economic and political issues during the three days.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will be a notable absentee from the conference.

ASEAN integration, economic and financial issues, regional security, among others, will be on top agenda in the forthcoming summit.

One of the main highlights of the meeting will be the adoption of a human rights declaration aimed at fighting torture and illegal arrests in a region notorious for violations, despite criticism that the pact falls short of international standards.

Global financial issues and pushing the agenda on ASEAN's connectivity goal to be a European Union-like bloc by 2015 will also top the agenda.