Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Friday said that a larger East Asian connectivity should be fostered in a bid to connect ASEAN to the rest of the Asia Pacific region.

Connectivity within the ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is "the first step", and only when it was linked with a larger regional connectivity, can it bring progress and prosperity to all, said Abhisit, when delivering his speech at the opening ceremony of the 15th ASEAN Summit, which opened Friday morning.

"Enhancing connectivity, empowering peoples" serves as an over- arching theme of all the meetings, including ASEAN, ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three and the East Asia Summit (EAS), during the summit period from Oct. 23 to 25.

Referring to the ASEAN Community, scheduled to be realized by 2015, Abhisit said in his speech that the connectivity is at the heart of ASEAN centrality and will contribute to sustainable growth and prosperity of a vibrant East Asia at large.

"To this end, the idea of establishing an Infrastructure Development Fund for ASEAN deserves our serious consideration, whereas participation and support from our Partners within and beyond our region should be welcomed," he said.

In addition to the topic of regional connectivity, the Thai PM also said that the ASEAN leaders will explore the possibility of establishing a region-wide FTA, as the Free Trade Agreements with ASEAN key partners in the region, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand have been completed.