ASEAN considers including Europe in defense talks to enhance ties

LUANG PRABANG, Laos -- Defense ministers from ASEAN are looking to add members from the West to its regional framework as global geopolitical issues increasingly affect Southeast Asia.

ASEAN defense ministers met on Tuesday in the northern Laotian city of Luang Prabang to discuss regional issues. After the meeting, Thai Defense Minister Suthin Klungsaeng said the bloc is considering new members for its expanded defense meeting platform, known as the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).