ASEAN Charter signed at summit

Leaders of the ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have gathered for the group's 13th summit.

The central event at this ASEAN summit is the adoption of the ASEAN Charter.

The charter transforms ASEAN into a rules-based legal entity like the European Union.. and paves the way for closer integration within the group.

Under the charter, all ASEAN member states will have equal rights and obligations. They will also be legally entitled to sue one another.

The charter is expected to serve as a legal and institutional framework.. as well as an inspiration for ASEAN to meet future challenges and opportunities.

The charter is a seen as a long overdue boost to an organization often regarded as legally powerless.

The charter is subject to ratification by all ASEAN member states.

ASEAN aims to narrow the development gap and advancing ASEAN integration.. by building an ASEAN Community to further peace, progress and prosperity.

This year's summit coincides with a significant milestone in ASEAN's development -- its 40th anniversary.

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