Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi said here on Tuesday that Indonesia was ready to organize the 18th ASEAN Summit on May 7 - 8, 2011.

The minister said preparations for the ASEAN Summit which would be held at the Jakarta Convention Center had basically been completed.

The 18th summit of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be attended by the heads of state of countries grouped in the ASEAN.

ASEAN is composed of Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

Besides, heads of state of ASEAN friendly countries and leaders of international agencies will also attend the ASEAN Summit.

At the closing of the 17th ASEAN Summit in Hanoi in October 2010, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced that Indonesia accept the chairmanship of ASEAN for 2011.

"This means that Indonesia has the responsibility to organize the 18th ASEAN Summit, which has been themed: ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations," Sudi said.(*)

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Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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