Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is among world leaders due to attend the Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur this weekend. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
The European Union hopes that Asean will produce a joined statement on the environment and sustainable development at its summit this weekend, its ambassador to Malaysia said today.
“For a lot of ASEAN and its partners, trade is the absolute priority, then comes security,” said Luc Vandebon.
“But I find that if we do not work together for sustainable development and fight against climate change, then ultimately, you will have nothing left to trade for.”
The United Nations Conference of the Parties, the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, will meet in Paris from November 30 to December 11.
Vandebon said he would like to see an Asean statement on the issue before then.
The EU has always been committed to the fight against climate change, he said, and as a result of this its citizens are very aware of the products they used and consume.
“I think there has been more and more attention being paid to environment and sustainable development in ASEAN. The same about businesses here too,” he added.
Meanwhile, a leaked Malaysian police report warns that there are 10 potential suicide bombers in Kuala Lumpur, which is hosting this weekend’s Asean summit.
National police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said the memo was authentic but the intelligence had not been verified.
“There have been reports of imminent terrorist threats in Malaysia.” he said. “At this point, I would like to underline that they have yet to be confirmed.”
Malaysian authorities said at least 2,000 army personnel are being deployed around Kuala Lumpur for the summit, which will be attended by world leaders including US President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
“The Royal Malaysian Police have intensified the existing comprehensive security arrangement for the Asean and related summits in Kuala Lumpur,” Khalid said. “Security checks at all entry and exit pointed to Malaysia have been stepped up.”
The leaked memo discussed a meeting on Sunday between Islamic State and Philippines Islamist groups Abu Sayyaf and the Moro National Liberation Front.
It said Islamic State and Abu Sayyaf have 10 suicide bombers in Kuala Lumpur and eight the Malaysian state of Sabah.
“These suicide bombers underwent military training in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as prepared to receive orders from their leaders to launch attacks/bombings,” news website Malaysiakini quoted the circular as saying.
