The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has been urged to work hard to promote sustainable development in the energy sector vital for stable economic growth in the region.

"Energy is an indispensable ingredient of economic and social development. The energy fossil fuels, particularly oil and gas are depletable.

"Therefore we have to work vigorously to promote sustainable development in the energy sector in the Asean region," Halim Shafie, secretary-general, Malaysia's energy, communications and multimedia ministry said in a statement.

Energy security

Halim was addressing the opening of the two-day Asean senior officials meeting on energy in the northern Langkawi island yesterday. The meeting is held ahead of the Asean ministers meeting Thursday.

Asean energy officials would also meet their counterparts from China, Japan and South Korea tomorrow to discuss on energy security.

Asean official would also discuss progress reports on related activities of the Trans-Asean gas pipeline, the establishment of the Asean gas consultative council and the amended Asean petroleum security agreement.

Some 120 participants from Asean countries are attending the officials meeting.

Asean groups Burma, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. - AFP