The Laotian capital has fallen under a blanket of intense security as it readies itself to host this week’s Asean post-ministerial meeting and regional forum. There is no curfew in the city, but the effect is much the same.

Russia seeks invite to KL meet

Russia is the latest country to knock on Asean’s door seeking to join the East Asia Summit to be held for the first time in Malaysia in mid-December, a senior Asean official said yesterday.