Southeast Asia gravely concerned over N Korea

SYDNEY – Reuters

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Australia said on Sunday they held “grave concerns” about escalating tensions caused by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes.

“We strongly urge the DPRK to immediately and fully comply with its obligations under all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions,” the countries said in a joint declaration, using the initials for North Korea’s official name. The country’s nuclear and ballistic missile development “threaten regional and global security”, the declaration added.

Australia hosted ASEAN meetings lasst weekend, despite not being a member of the 10-nation bloc, as it seeks to tighten ties in the region amid China’s rising influence. Officially, the ASEAN summit has focused on fostering closer economic ties with Australia, and countering the threat of jihadists returning to the region from the Middle East.