Putin: Russia ready to continue strategic partnership with ASEAN

Russian President Vladimir Putin has affirmed his country’s readiness to continue its strategic partnership with ASEAN to support the security, welfare, and prosperity of people in both Russia and Southeast Asia. He made the remarks during a dinner speech at the ASEAN-Russia summit in Kazan, Russia, on Wednesday (17/6) local time. “I stress that Russia is always ready to continue its active engagement with ASEAN countries to strengthen our strategic partnership,” he said, as broadcast by the Kremlin’s official website on Thursday. Putin assessed that the strategic partnership is important for the security, welfare, and prosperity of nations in both regions and for Eurasia as a whole. He said the presence of ASEAN leaders and representatives in Kazan reflects a shared commitment to bring the partnership to a higher level. Putin expressed confidence that Russia-ASEAN relations will continue to develop in the fields of politics, security, economy, trade, investment, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges. He also said that Russia and ASEAN share aligned moral views, uphold respect for national identity, and recognise the diversity of world cultures and civilisations. According to Putin, Russia and ASEAN countries also pursue their own development paths without imposing their will or views on other nations. “This, without a doubt, is our common strength,” he said. He also assessed that Russia and ASEAN are the right partners to champion a just and equitable world order and uphold the principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Putin further expressed confidence that the ASEAN-Russia summit would produce agreements to support the “Kazan Declaration” and a Joint Action Plan that will serve as the foundation for strengthening the partnership. “I am confident we can face the future with optimism, because the partnership between Russia and ASEAN rests on close bonds of friendship, a spirit of mutual support, and a rich experience of positive cooperation,” he said. The ASEAN-Russia summit is taking place from 17–19 June in Kazan and is being held to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia partnership.