KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- ASEAN and its three dialogue partners, China, Japan and South Korea, have decided to continue the "ASEAN+3" mechanism despite the emerging of a new regional forum.

    While welcoming the upcoming inaugural East Asia Summit, a declaration issued by leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the three countries reiterated that the "ASEAN+3" mechanism will continue to be held annually in conjunction with the ASEAN Summit to give "guidance and political impetus" to the east Asian integration under the framework of the "ASEAN+3."

    The first East Asia Summit, slated for here on Dec. 14, will gather leaders of the "ASEAN+3" countries and those from India, Australia and New Zealand.

    The declaration, issued at an annual summit of "ASEAN+3," reiterated the countries' commitment to the long-term goal of east Asian economic integration. It noted that in realizing the goal, the "ASEAN+3" mechanism will continue to function as the main channel, with ASEAN playing the leading role.

    The declaration pledged the countries' enhanced union and concerted efforts to safeguard peace, stability and prosperity in east Asia.

    It said the countries would also continue supporting cooperation under the "ASEAN+1" process to further promote the all-round cooperation under the "ASEAN+3" framework, to make the latter an indispensable part of regional architecture and complementary with other regional fora.

    ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Enditem