Kazakhstan wants to become a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), President Nazarbaev told the visiting king of Malaysia, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, in Astana on 12 September, Interfax-Kazakhstan reported.

In particular, Nazarbaev said, Kazakhstan wants to take part in ASEAN's regional forum on security. He praised Malaysia's contribution to the international fight against terrorism, including the establishment of the Southeast Asian Antiterrorism Center.

The Kazakh leader was quoted as telling the king that Kazakhstan considers Malaysia one of the most influential countries in the region, one with which Kazakhstan would like to expand trade and economic ties.

(RFE/RL 15.ix.03)