The ASEAN summit has wrapped up in the Philippines capital, Manila. Foreign ministers of the member states focused much of their time on discussing how to ensure North Korea does not backslide on dismantling its nuclear programme and on improving counter-
The security forum is also calling for greater co-operation on battling climate change, energy shortages and nuclear threats. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who was taking part in the summit, has urged the organisation to expand the number of countries in its security forum. Talking of the progress achieved at the six-party talks, Mr Lavrov said the diplomatic approach taken with North Korea might also prove successful in dealing with Iran's nuclear ambitions. Now ASEAN forum brings together ten member states and officials from 27 other countries, including Russia and the U.S.