Hagel to host Asian defense ministers in Hawaii

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HONOLULU — U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel plans to host defense ministers from 10 Asian countries next month at a meeting in Honolulu.

The Department of Defense said Thursday that Hagel and leaders among the countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations would discuss their vision for the future for the Asia-Pacific region.

The association includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Defense officials say the April 1-3 meeting will touch on several issues, including disaster relief and regional security. Officials say the group will also receive briefings and demonstrations of U.S. capabilities from U.S. Pacific Command.