VIENTIANE, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Officials from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and partner countries have convened here to discuss and develop the plan of action for the ASEAN leaders' declaration on strengthening regional biosafety and biosecurity.

They gathered for the second meeting on the establishment of the ASEAN Network on Biosafety and Biosecurity, held from Tuesday to Thursday, as part of a region-wide effort to strengthen preparedness and response to future biological threats.

During the meeting, the participants outlined regional priorities, defined roles and responsibilities, and designated lead implementers and partners to drive coordinated efforts in preventing, detecting, and responding to biological threats, according to the Lao Ministry of Health on Wednesday. ■