Southeast Asian leaders met in Laos on Wednesday for a summit expected to find ways of tackling a worsening civil war in Myanmar, with Thailand set to propose a new path for a political solution after a regional peace effort made scant progress.

PM Modi has arrived in Laos for the 21st ASEAN-India and 19th East Asia Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

Modi said India shared close cultural and civilisation ties with the region, including with the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), which is enriched by a shared heritage of Buddhism and Ramayana.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took some time to mingle with the Malaysian delegation during a dinner event amidst a packed schedule of meetings and bilateral discussions in conjunction with the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits.

VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in Vientiane, where he was warmly welcomed by Laos' Minister of Home Affairs, Vilayvong Bouddakham.

VIENTIANE, Laos (Reuters) -Southeast Asian leaders met in Laos on Wednesday for a summit expected to seek ways address the worsening civil war in Myanmar, with Thailand calling for heightened engagement ahead of a planned election by the country's embattled military rulers.

Southeast Asian leaders are meeting at an annual forum that will focus on the civil war in Myanmar and territorial tensions in the South China Sea, two challenges that have long tested the bloc’s cred

President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives in Laos for the ASEAN Summit, focusing on Myanmar's conflict and South China Sea tensions.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is holding is annual leaders' summit in Laos this year. The world leaders will also hold talks with a representative of Myanmar's junta to try and negotiate a solution to the country's civil war.