Our leaders declared their commitment to further deepening mutual relations based on shared principles. The ASEAN-Russia Joint Declaration on Progressive and Comprehensive Partnership that was adopted on that day defined the main goals and areas of our joint work for the years ahead.
The outcomes also included the Comprehensive Programme of Action for Developing Cooperation between ASEAN and Russia for 2005-2015 and the Joint Agreement on Cooperation in the Spheres of Economy and Development.
At the same time, President Vladimir Putin took part in the very first East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur as a special guest of the Chair.
It paved the way for a full-fledged integration of Russia into the work of the ASEAN-led mechanisms and the development of the regional architecture.
In the following years, the modus operandi of our bilateral ties has proven the truly multidimensional and sincere nature of this partnership.
Russia and ASEAN do not only share the same values and interests, but both sides actually speak the same language, which is the language of mutual respect and understanding, sincere dialogue and results-oriented cooperation.
We can offer a lot to each other. The link uniting us is by no means a one-way street. It forms a multi-lane road that allows us to advance along various tracks simultaneously.
Under the current circumstances, when tensions and conflict potential are growing in many parts of the world, our pragmatic relationship with ASEAN can play a balancing role in regional affairs.
The recent statements adopted by the foreign ministers of our countries emphasize the importance of our long-standing friendship and its significant contribution to ASEAN integration and the Community building process across the three pillars in political and security, economic and socio-cultural spheres.
Our cooperation continues to evolve steadily, with both sides working together to promote regional peace and stability, economic development, connectivity, resilience, and people-to-people exchanges. A number of new joint mechanisms have been launched recently.
Our partners have shown keen interest in the ASEAN-Russia Consultations of the High Representatives for Security Issues and the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue on ICT Security-Related Issues. Russia obtained the status of ASEAN Digital Partner.
This year, the first meeting of the ASEAN-Russia Senior Officials on digital technologies was held in Bangkok.
Recently we have approved ASEAN-Russia work plans on transnational crime, drug-related matters, as well as on digital cooperation.
In 2024, notwithstanding the unprecedented pressure our trade turnover registered an impressive 13% growth reaching record levels. Businesses from Russia are coming to the region, while local capital is moving to our country.
Last year, the business forum “World of Opportunities: Russia-ASEAN” gathered more than 350 representatives in Malaysia.
We are constantly looking for new areas with high potential, as well as mutually beneficial projects, including those in the spheres of energy, biosafety and biosecurity, smart cities.
In October, ASEAN Centre for Energy and “Rosatom” signed a Memorandum of Understanding serving as a tool to promote cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The new ASEAN-Russia Project on Capacity Building on Energy Statistics is now being implemented. For many years, a meaningful dialogue has been maintained between the Russian Energy Agency and the ASEAN Centre for Energy.
Delegations of both sides regularly take part in key industry events in Russia and ASEAN Member states, hold joint activities.
Our personnel training programs for ASEAN specialists embrace various areas, nurturing expertise and fostering cultural understanding.
In this context a special emphasis is placed on “youth-to-youth” contacts. The Russian MGIMO University Master’s program “Politics and Economics of the Russia-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership” graduated the first batch of specialists this June.
The major platform for expert discussions on Russia-ASEAN relations is the ASEAN Centre in MGIMO University.
Last November, it celebrated its 15th birthday by hosting a large international conference “Russia and ASEAN in the Asia-Pacific Region: Dynamics of Cooperation, Regional Processes, and Global Context”.
Distinguished scholars specializing in Russia-ASEAN relations, high-level diplomats and representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, regional policy experts, digital media analysts, young researchers and students discussed key regional issues and explored new avenues for our bilateral partnership.
Two decades ago, Russia and ASEAN also decided to promote interaction between various regional and international organizations and fora.
The aim of ASEAN to develop interaction with other states and groupings is consonant with the Russian initiative of a common space of security and mutually beneficial practical cooperation in Eurasia.
It makes us natural partners in this regard as well. Promising opportunities accrue for expanding ASEAN’s ties and creating synergy with the platforms that share the same values and positive agenda, such as SCO, EAEU and BRICS.
Throughout all these years, Russia has consistently supported the desire of ASEAN to maintain and strengthen its strategic autonomy in decision-making. It is especially important now, in the face of increasing geopolitical and geo-economic challenges, including unilateral approaches.
A strong and independent stance of ASEAN makes the voice of the Global South more audible in the global choir.
Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing our joint journey guided by the goals of prosperity and brighter future for the region in the emerging multipolar world.
*) Evgeny Zagaynov is the Russian Ambassador to ASEAN
* ) The views and opinions expressed on this page are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the ANTARA News Agency
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