About ASEAN

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is a regional & intergovernmental organisation of 10 countries of Southeast Asia. 
• ASEAN was established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
• Its members are Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Philippines, Brunei and Vietnam. 
• The organisation aims to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership. They work towards the progress of the Southeast Asia region. 
• ASEAN is headed by a chair—a position that rotates annually among leaders of member states.
• ASEAN activities are coordinated by the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

Why in News?

• The 14th meeting of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism is set to be held in New Delhi
• Delegations from 10 ASEAN members and eight dialogue partners (Australia, New Zealand, RoK, Japan, China, USA and Russia) along with Timor Leste will be participating in the meeting.
• The ADMM-Plus serves as a platform for practical cooperation amongst the participating countries’ defence establishments. 

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2111580