27th ASEAN Summit opens in Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (TNA) -- Government leaders of 10-member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Saturday attended the official opening of the 27th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The opening event of the three-day Summits, ends Sunday, was held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. In the opening ceremony, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak delivered a speech as ASEAN chairman saying that the attacks in Mali and France had shocked Malaysia and that his country would cooperate with the international community in fighting against terrorists, no matter they belonged to the Islamic State, the Abu Sayyaf or any other notorious groups. Islamic religion is a peaceful religion and everybody should pray for people of Turkey, Syria and Iraq who also are Muslims and at the same time are the preys of terrorism. Mr Najib later presented awards to recipients of the ASEAN Peoples Award who have helped strengthening ASEAN grouping. Saisuree Chutikul who has worked untiringly on protecting children and women rights received the award for Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha along with government leaders of nine other ASEAN members are scheduled to meet among themselves as well as with dialogue partners including those from US, China and India. (TNA)