ASEAN Agreement: Nations agree at special summit to combine resources to fight terrorism

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A collection of Southeast Asian nations plans to combine resources to fight terrorism. An agreement was signed at the ASEAN Special Summit in Australia, which also focuses on how to increase trade across the region. Greg Navarro has the story.

Just hours after a symbolic gathering together on one stage in Sydney billed as a family photo. The leaders from several Southeast Asian nations signed an agreement to combat terrorism.

NAJIB RAZEK MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER "So I call upon all countries present to step up and intensify cooperation in preventing the spread of terrorist ideologies and to hone even more effective approaches to counter the threat of radicalisation and violent extremism in the Asia Pacific area."

That agreement includes the sharing of resources to fight an unconventional enemy.

MALCOLM TURNBULL AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER "The sharing of intelligence is critically important as we all know what may appear to be, not especially important or not especially consequential piece of intelligence may be the piece that connects the jigsaw for somebody else's investigation. Trust, sharing, collaboration is absolutely critical."

The first ever ASEAN Special Summit held in Australia was designed to reinforce the host nation's increasing participation across region - despite Australia not being an official member of the organization.

MALCOLM TURNBULL AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER "Australia has been a staunch supporter of ASEAN and it's centrality in our region at the very heart of the stability, security and the prosperity all of our people's deserve."

The event also attracted protestors to Sydney, hoping to bring attention to human rights concerns levelled at several ASEAN countries including Myanmar. A big part of the two day event focused on ways to boost economic cooperation and business opportunities.

GREG NAVARRO SYDNEY "The idea of increasing regional trade is hugely important to Australia, especially Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said, in the face of rising protectionism around the globe."

And especially when you consider that the ten ASEAN countries as a whole represent Australia's 3rd largest trading partner, worth an estimated $100 billion AUD last year. That's why business leaders were given the opportunity to network with political leaders, and some discussions went beyond the notion of conventional trade.

JOKO WIDODO INDONESIAN PRESIDENT "The digital economy and social media are bringing fundamental changes to the pattern of consumption. The young and rising middle class are increasingly interested in experience and adventure in instead of luxury goods. This is leading to a global tourism boom."

It's unclear whether Australia has enough support or the desire to become an official member of the ASEAN. Regardless, the host nation hopes the event serves as a symbolic reminder of its growing commitment to the region. Greg Navarro, CGTN, Sydney.