Thein Sein to attend 21st Asean Summit in Cambodia

Published on Wednesday, 14 November 2012 21:42

Workers decorating the Asean logo in front of the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on November 13
(Photo - AFP)

Myanmar President Thein Sein will attend the 21st Asean Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, but the exact date for his departure date has yet to be announced.

President Office's Director Zaw Htay said the date will be announced soon.

The summit will be held from November 15-20, but US President Obama will be visiting Myanmar on November 19.

According to the agenda, a preliminary meeting will be held between high-ranking officials from Asean countries on November 15 and 16 while the Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting will be held on November 17.

Asean leaders will hold the summit on November 18 and meet with their East Asian counterparts on November 20.

The East Asia Summit will also be attended in leaders from the US, EU, Russia, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

The meetings are expected to focus on the 2015 Asean Economic Community, maritime disputes in the South China Sea, and the conflicts between the Rakhines and Bengalis in northwestern Myanmar.

Cambodia will turn over the chairmanship to Brunei in 2013, while Myanmar will take over in 2014.

Cambodia has tightened its security in Phnom Penh by deploying over 10,000 security forces all over the city for the Asean Summit.

More than 1,600 reporters around the globe have registered to report about the ASEAN Summit and related Summits, according to the Summit's media department.