24 May 2009: Channel News Asia
Participants at the annual Asia security summit, dubbed the Shangri-La Dialogue, will be given a deeper insight into the security policies of the new Obama Administration when US Defence Secretary Dr Robert Gates takes part in the summit next week in Singapore.
The event kicks off in Singapore on May 29.
A release by the organisers said Dr Gates is one of the confirmed participants and is also leading the US delegation to the dialogue.
Also taking part in this year's event is the new Malaysian Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who was recently appointed to the post by Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Among the topics being discussed are America's security role in the Asia Pacific, building a security community in the Asia-Pacific and strengthening defence diplomacy in this region.
Singapore's Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean will hold ministerial lunches for the attending ministers.
