Heads of state or government of the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered here Tuesday morning to start the regional grouping's 13th summit.

 

The theme of the summit is "One ASEAN at the Heart of Dynamic Asia."

 

This year's summit coincides with a significant milestone in ASEAN's development, its 40th Anniversary.

 

In the spotlight at this summit is the event that the ASEAN leaders will sign the ASEAN Charter, which will transform ASEAN into a more effective and rules-based organization, as well as pave the way for ASEAN's closer integration.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2007)