"Informally we will hold a meeting with Defense Secretary Panetta to discuss various issues related to regional stability," said Malaysian Defense Minister Dato` Seri Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi here Monday.
The Malaysian defense minister said that the ASEAN defense ministers meeting in Bali this week will discuss existing cooperation issues as well as the strengthening of existing ones.
"Some of the issues to be discussed include maritime security, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, prevention of terror and peacekeeping missions," Ahmad Zahidi said.
Panetta`s presence in Bali was part of a series of trips he would be making for the first time to countries in Asia, namely Indonesia, Japan and South Korea, beginning on October 21.
According to Pentagon press secretary George Little, Panetta would start his overseas tour by visiting Bali, then Tokyo and Seoul before returning to the US on October 28.
The government of President Barack Obama is trying to shift Washington`s foreign policy focus to Asia.
Earlier, Panetta said the Asian region was where the US`s security and economic interests would largely be in the 21st century.
"With the emergence of China, the US will need to reassure its allies and equip with "our project strength", "he said.
Defense Secretary Panetta will join the US delegation team at the 19th ASEAN Summit which coupled with the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Bali.
US President Barack Obama is scheduled to attend the event with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev.
The 19th ASEAN Summit will discuss the draft Declaration on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (South China Sea Code of Conduct) produced by the 18th ASEAN Summit.
"US and Russia are involved because the two countries also have economic and security interests in the South China Sea path," said Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Michael Tene.
Tene said the US and Russia were expected to provide advice and and inputs to solve the problems in the South China Sea involving China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
