Putin Discusses Strengthening Economic Cooperation with Thai and Singaporean PMs

Russian President Vladimir Putin held separate meetings with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Kazan on Thursday (18/6). In talks with Anutin, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in trade, energy, and security, according to a Thai Enquirer report. The discussions also highlighted the impact of Middle East tensions on global energy security and supply chains. Thailand welcomed Russia’s support for developing cooperation in the clean energy, liquefied natural gas (LNG), petrochemical, and fertiliser sectors. Both sides also supported the continuation of negotiations on a free trade agreement between Thailand and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Additionally, the two countries discussed cooperation in defence, public health, science, technology, education, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and combating online fraud. The leaders also agreed to strengthen the tourism sector and cultural exchanges ahead of the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. Anutin noted that nearly two million Russian tourists visited Thailand in 2025. Following his meeting, Wong reaffirmed Singapore’s position on Ukraine via a post on social media platform X. He stated that Singapore’s position is based on the belief that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations must be respected. Wong also met with the leader of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, during his first visit to Kazan. In a post on X, Wong said Minnikhanov recalled his meeting with Singapore’s first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, and the friendly relations that have been established with Singaporeans over the years. According to Wong, this reflects the long-standing ties between Singapore and the republic within the Russian Federation. Based on data from the Thai-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the trade value between the two countries reached approximately 1.5 billion US dollars (nearly Rp27 trillion). Meanwhile, Singapore remains one of Russia’s largest trading partners in Southeast Asia, with bilateral trade value exceeding 4 billion US dollars in recent years, according to data from Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development and the Singapore government.