Russia and ASEAN begin preparations for new cooperation plan

A Russia–ASEAN ministerial meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur with the participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to begin draughting a new strategic document. This was stated in a press release on the website of the Russian foreign ministry.

"We proceed from the understanding that today’s meeting will contribute to further unlocking the potential of our dialogue, expanding its sectoral agenda, and launching new joint mechanisms, especially in the science-intensive and high-tech sectors. The adoption of a Russia–ASEAN strategic document for 2026–2030 is intended to serve these goals. The document proposes to outline current objectives and priority areas of cooperation"

Sergey Lavrov Foreign Minister of Russia

During the meeting, it was noted that Russia and ASEAN share similar positions on key international issues. The Association expressed appreciation for Moscow’s support of ASEAN’s central role in regional processes. Proposals were also made to deepen cooperation between ASEAN, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

On the same day, Lavrov held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. They gave a positive assessment of the development of cooperation between Moscow and Beijing and discussed collaboration within the frameworks of ASEAN, the UN, BRICS, SCO, and the G20.

The day before, the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting took place. During the plenary session, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son called for a focus on three key objectives: transforming ASEAN into the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030, developing the digital economy, and strengthening engagement with the region’s population.

“The role of the Association should be reflected not only in high-level declarations but, more importantly, in concrete and practical actions,” he stated.

Participants reviewed the outcomes of the ASEAN Summit held in May, discussed the regional and international situation, and addressed the expansion of the Association’s external relations.

Photo: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs