Ukraine has started withdrawing tanks and light artillery from the frontline in the eastern region of Luhansk in line with an agreement with Russian-backed separatists, Kiev's military said. 

US President Barack Obama kicked off a sales pitch on October 6 for a 12-nation Pacific Rim trade agreement, urging farmers to push their lawmakers to approve what he said would boost their sales in a fast-growing region.

Myanmar President U Thein Sein committed on October 6 to continuing the peace process with armed groups who are ready to sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA).

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on October 5 appointed the 200-member National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) to guide the country’s reform process.

Afghan forces asked for US air support while fighting the Taliban in Kunduz shortly before an air strike resulted in the deaths of civilians there, the American commander of international forces in Afghanistan said on October 5.

The wreckage of the Aviastar plane that was carrying ten people when losing contact with air traffic controllers three days ago was founded in Luwu district of South Sulawesi island, Indonesia on October 5. 

The United States and NATO denounced Russia on October 5 for violating Turkish airspace and Ankara threatened to respond, reporting two incursions in two days and raising the prospect of direct confrontation between the former Cold War adversaries.

The Indonesian government needs to take action against companies causing haze problem which has affected the air quality, people’s health and economies of countries in the region, said Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak on October 4.

Philippine Environment Secretary Ramon Paje has called for closer cooperation among member economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to ensure food security and blue economy in the region.

Islamic State militants have blown up the Arch of Triumph, a major monument in the 2,000-year-old Roman city of Palmyra, Syria's antiquities chief said on October 4, after they destroyed two ancient temples at the central Syrian site in recent months.