Russia, USA to Become East Asian Summit Full Members

Russia and the USA will become full members of the East Asian Summit as of January 1, 2011, it was decided at the high meeting held in Hanoi, Vietnam.
This information was reported by Russian agency ITAR-TASS. The East Asian leaders have considered that the regular and full participation of Russia and the USA in the Summit will give more leverage to the organization in solving regional and global issues.
The meeting is attended by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.
The East Asian Summit brings together ASEAN members Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, together with partners China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
Russia has participated in the East Asian Summit as an observer since its inception in 2005, when it requested to become a full member.
The US Obama administration has also asked for a greater role in the regional forum.

US Delays Ukraine Peace Plan, Seeking European Consensus Before Proceeding
The US administration under President Donald Trump has opted to pause the development of its proposed "peace plan" for Ukraine

Elon Musk’s Massive $97.4 Billion Bid for OpenAI Ignites Bitter Feud with Sam Altman
A group of investors led by Elon Musk has submitted a USD 97.4 billion bid to acquire OpenAI's assets

"Let Hell Break Out": Trump Urges Israel to Act if Hostages Remain Captive
Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Monday that Israel should resume military operations in Gaza if all hostages are not released by the end of the week

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis Resigns to Avert Political Crisis
Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis announced his resignation on Monday, February 10, stating that he was stepping down to prevent the political crisis that would follow his possible suspension by Parliament

EU Warns of Retaliation Against US Steel and Aluminium Tariffs
The European Commission has warned that it will take retaliatory measures if the United States moves forward with new tariffs on steel and aluminium

Kosovo Election Results: Albin Kurti’s Coalition Set to Lead Despite No Majority
Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti, leading the Self-Determination Movement (Vetevendosje), has secured a victory in the country's recent parliamentary election.