ASEAN-Russia Summit: Towards common interests

The ASEAN-Russia Summit is an opportunity to outline directions for cooperation to elevate relations between the two sides.

The international press center of the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Sochi. (Photo: Sputnik).

This conference is of great significance, not only marking the 20th anniversary of Russia and ASEAN initiating and maintaining their dialogue partnership, but also an opportunity to outline cooperation directions to elevate the relationship to match the potential and interests of both sides, especially in the context of many fluctuations in the world and regional situation.

According to the plan, during the two-day conference, ASEAN and Russian leaders will discuss economic cooperation and relations between Russia and ASEAN. The conference is expected to adopt a joint statement that will lay the basis for an action plan related to cooperation activities between Russia and ASEAN in the fields of politics, economy, culture and common security.

Speaking to the press ahead of the conference, Mr. Mikhail Galuzin, Russian Ambassador to Indonesia and permanent representative of Russia to ASEAN, said: "We hope that the results of the conference will contribute to elevating Russia-ASEAN relations to the level of strategic partnership. We will also develop cooperation between the two sides in areas such as industry, infrastructure, agriculture, humanitarian affairs, tourism, disaster response, energy and many other areas of cooperation."

Over the past five years, trade turnover between Russia and ASEAN countries has doubled and reached a record 21.5 billion USD in 2014, making Russia the 8th largest trade partner of ASEAN.

According to analysts, tightening cooperation in many areas will bring mutual benefits to both sides.

Ms. Adriana Elisabeth, Director of the Center for Political Studies at the Indonesian Academy of Sciences, commented: “I believe that the political, security and economic issues related to Russia and ASEAN will contribute to promoting closer cooperation between the two sides.”

In the context of the current volatile international situation, both Russia and ASEAN are facing major challenges and threats, both traditional and non-traditional, both global, regional and national.

Getting closer and elevating Russia-ASEAN relations to a new level will help the bilateral relationship have positive changes in a more substantial and effective direction, thereby contributing to ensuring peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region.

According to VOV