Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

ASEAN chief wants Canada to step us as peacemaker in Asia disputes

CP20184883
Surin Pitsuwan of Thailand delivers a keynote speech during the 17th International Conference on The Future of Asia in Tokyo Thursday, May 26, 2011. Calling the current tension between China and Japan "worrisome," the head of ASEAN wants Canada to play a larger role in mediating disputes in Asia. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Koji Sasahara

OTTAWA – The head of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations wants Canada to play a larger role as a peacemaker in Asia.

Surin Pitsuwan, secretary general of the 10-nation ASEAN bloc, tells The Canadian Press that as Canada pursues deeper ties with Asia, it has to focus on more than just trade and investment, and should involve itself more deeply in security issues.

He says Canada should leverage its good reputation as a “soft power” nation to lend a hand in mediating some of the intermittent disputes that flare up in the region.

Surin would also like to see Canadian troops taking part in military training manoeuvres in Asia.

Surin said he planned to raise the issue with Defence Minister Peter MacKay, one of several cabinet ministers he is meeting in Ottawa.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has made forging deeper economic links with Asia a priority for his government.

News from © The Canadian Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms.

Related Articles