Australia tightens security for summit with ASEAN

Illustrative photo (Source: AFP)

A statement released by the New South Wales police on March 16 clarified that security personnel will be deployed inside and around the summit venues to monitor crowd behaviors and assist with crowd management.

New South Wales Minister for Police and Emergency Services Troy Grant also approved temporary measures allowing police to search people and vehicles without a warrant within a designated zone around the meeting venues.

The police will also be allowed to remove cars that appear suspicious or are blocking roadways, prevent drones from flying over the summit area, and close roads in certain areas..

The same day, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had a meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Sydney. Turnbull affirmed that he respects ASEAN’s central role in the region as well as its consensus model.

Turnbull revealed that he will discuss with ASEAN leaders on issues related to economy, strategy and human resources during the summit.

In a bilateral meeting with Turnbull on March 16, Cambodian PM Hun Sen was happy to receive a new pledge of 87 million USD from Australia for development in 2018.

ASEAN comprises of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam./.

VNA