Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an organization of ten Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, (19) _________ Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It promotes political, economic, cultural and social cooperation (20) _________ its members. Although ASEAN works for peace and stability in Southeast Asia, it is not a defence organization.

The members of ASEAN cooperate in such fields (21) ________ population control, prevention of drug abuse, (22) ________ research and combating terrorism. Teachers, students and artists of the member nations exchange visits. In addition, the organization(23) ________ plans to promote tourism in ASEAN countries and to encourage programs of Southeast Asian studies. It works to reduce trade barriers among the members.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an organization of ten Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, (19) _________ Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.