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Pranab attends EAS consultations

MANILA: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday participated in the East Asia Summit (EAS) consultations on the way forward towards a greater regional engagement.

Mr. Mukherjee described the consultations as “an opportunity to create a regional architecture for cooperation and integration.”

Foreign Ministers or designated representatives from China, Japan, the United States, South East Asian States and their other dialogue partner-countries attended.

Asked whether he briefed them about the finalisation of the text of the India-U.S. civil nuclear energy cooperation accord, he indicated that the primary focus related to regional cooperation in East Asia. He described the meeting as a “rewarding” exercise.

On a separate track, the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is hosting the EAS meeting and other regional meetings, decided to take the fast track towards the finalisation of an organisational charter. A key issue, which came into focus in this context, was the idea of a human rights panel. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers might meet in Singapore for a special session in September to firm up the charter, it was announced by an official.

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Pranab attends EAS consultations

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