That was never more evident than during the past week, when the association held its annual Ministerial Meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei's capital.

CNN: HEN THE FOREIGN MINISTERS

The President looks forward to discussing preparations for the East Asia Summit and U.S.-ASEAN Summit, which will be held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei in October, and to consulting with His Majesty on a broad range of strategic and economic issues of mutual concern.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

Concern over North Korea's latest threats is also expected to gain attention over economic issues in the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, being held Wednesday and Thursday in Brunei's capital of Bandar Seri Begawan.

NPR: Sea Disputes, NKorea In Spotlight At ASEAN Summit