News outlets from China, Japan, South Korea and the United States are among those represented among the 1,030 foreign news media personnel due in Laos to cover the upcoming ASEAN summits, 11th East Asia Summit and related meetings, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Saturday.

Details of media contingents were revealed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General of the Press Department, Phonethavy Boutdara, at a press conference held Saturday in the Lao capital.

Among ASEAN member states, news outlets based in Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines are expected to send the greatest number of reporters, photographers, camera operators and technical staff.

The influx came in contrast to the relatively small number of foreign media with permanent bureau presence in the Lao capital, which includes China's Xinhua News Agency and China Radio International as well as Vietnam Television and Vietnam News Agency.

The announcement regarding news coverage came as the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN meet in the Lao capital on Saturday ahead of summits involving heads of state and government from 10 ASEAN members as well as their dialogue partners.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will meet ASEAN leaders including host chair Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith in marking 25th anniversary of dialogue relationship at the 19th ASEAN-China Summit as well as joining leaders of dialogue partners at the 11th East Asia Summit.

The ASEAN summits and related meetings will also see the participation of U.S. President Barack Obama, the first visit by a U.S. president to Laos.

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