Asia-Pacific meeting on counterterrorism begins in Bangkok

0 Comments | Asian Political News, April 22, 2002

BANGKOK, April 17 Kyodo

Officials from 22 Asia-Pacific countries and the European Union began talks Wednesday in Bangkok on measures to prevent terrorism in the wake of the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the United States.

The three-day workshop, co-hosted by Thailand and Australia, is being held among the members of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) for security dialogue.

''This workshop is a good start to send out a message to the world that the region encourages peace and security. It will help uplift the image of ASEAN countries and boost tourism in this area,'' Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai told reporters.

ARF comprises the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Russia, the United States and the EU.

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

Surakiart said the discussions will focus on law enforcement, border and immigration controls, and security measures for air travel.

The workshop will also take up security preparations for the upcoming World Cup soccer tournament in Japan and South Korea, Thai Foreign Ministry officials said.