Philippines defends killings in drug war

The Philippines defended a surge in killings since Mr Rodrigo Duterte became President over two months ago, handing out a 38-page pamphlet at the summit praising his campaign against illegal drugs in which thousands have died.

"We are not butchers who just kill people for no apparent reason," says the booklet, citing Philippine national police chief Ronald Dela Rosa.

REUTERS

Suu Kyi leading Myanmar delegation

Myanmar Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi is leading her country's delegation at the summit, rather than President Htin Kyaw, a figurehead of her government. Laos had invited Ms Suu Kyi in her capacity as the country's state counsellor rather than as foreign minister.

Her presence at the summit signals Asean's recognition that she is Myanmar's de facto leader, the Myanmar Times said.

Plan to narrow development gap

Asean leaders agreed to push for greater integration in the region by adopting a work plan aimed at narrowing the development gap and enhancing the region's competitiveness.

The third Work Plan of the Initiative for Asean Integration continues to provide technical aid to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam to help them implement their regional commitments.

3 more countries sign amity treaty

Chile, Egypt and Morocco signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Vientiane yesterday, bringing the number of countries that have signed it to 35.

The treaty, which came into force in 1976, was forged by Asean members and aims to promote regional and international peace and stability.

XINHUA