Russian Foreign Minister: Strategic Partnership Between Russia and ASEAN a Firm Priority
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasizes the importance of the strategic partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and discusses ways to expand cooperation in various fields during a meeting with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Moscow.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Moscow, October 13 (KUNA) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov underscored on Tuesday the importance of the strategic partnership between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), describing it as a firm priority for Moscow. The two sides are currently exploring the launch of new cooperation tracks covering maritime and customs affairs, alongside trade, technology, and international coordination.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated in a press release that these remarks were made during a meeting in Moscow between Lavrov and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, aimed at discussing ways to implement understandings reached by both sides during the 35th-anniversary summit of Russia-ASEAN relations, held in Kazan, Russia, last June.
Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Lavrov as announcing his intention to discuss launching new cooperation tracks with the ASEAN Secretary-General, including in the maritime and customs sectors, as part of efforts by both sides to expand the scope of their partnership and enhance its economic and strategic dimensions.
The ministry added that the talks addressed prospects for strengthening strategic dialogue and coordinating positions in international and regional forums, supporting stability and food and energy security in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as developing trade, economic, technological, and socio-cultural cooperation.
The discussions take place against the backdrop of Kao Kim Hourn’s working visit to Russia from October 12 to 15, which includes meetings with Russian officials in the fields of emergency management, higher education, science, agriculture, digital transformation, and energy, as well as discussions on cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Commission and participation in events of the Russian Energy Week.
Russia and ASEAN adopted during the Kazan summit last June a comprehensive action plan for 2026–2030 to implement the strategic partnership, alongside the Kazan Declaration and a joint statement on energy cooperation, steps reflecting both sides’ orientation toward establishing practical cooperation frameworks in the coming years.
The talks gain additional significance as they coincide with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Russia-ASEAN dialogue relations in 1991, amid efforts by both sides to strengthen economic ties and develop cooperation in traditional and emerging sectors, thereby supporting shared interests and enhancing communication between Russia and Southeast Asian countries. (End) D.A.N./Sh.M.A.
