Asean's commitment on free trade, unity key to continued prosperity

Asean's foreign ministers have been meeting every year since its five founders got together in Bangkok on Aug 8, 1967 to find ways to work together and maintain peace in the region.

It was "a leap of faith" for the founding members to come together in that climate, a time of hostilities and confrontation, noted Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in opening last week's meetings.