Russia considers ASEAN credible strategic partner: Putin

Russia considers ASEAN a credible strategic partner, for which it is willing to support the bloc in the Covid-19 response and mitigate the pandemic’s negative impacts on socio-economic development.

Overview of the summit. Source: VNA

Support programs would include training courses for healthcare staff, technical assistance, medical and vaccines supplies. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin made the statement during the fourth ASEAN-Russia Summit, which also marks the 30^th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations.

Putin said Russia would continue to actively participate in multilateral activities initiated by the ASEAN, stressing his support for ASEAN’s central role in promoting dialogue, cooperation, and trust-building in the region.

At the summit, the countries agreed the year 2022 to be the ASEAN-Russia year of science-technology and industrial cooperation. In this context, both sides reaffirmed commitment to promoting trade, investment, and recovery of supply chains under the framework of cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the ASEAN.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh noted as Russian’s comprehensive strategic partner, Vietnam has been actively contributing to the ASEAN-Russia strategic partnership for mutual benefits.

Chinh thanked Russia for donating vaccines and medical equipment for the region, including Vietnam while welcoming Moscow’s willingness to transfer vaccine production technologies to ASEAN.

The prime minister called for greater cooperation between ASEAN and Russia in potential fields, including economy, science-technology, environment, energy, human resources, culture, and tourism.

Chinh highlighted the active role of Russia in maintaining peace, security, stability, and development in the region, expecting the country to further support ASEAN’s efforts in maintaining international law for freedom of navigation and security in the South China Sea.

Concluding the summit, both sides approved the ASEAN-Russia Declaration on building a region of peace, stability, and sustainability, as well as the ASEAN-Russia Declaration on addressing and countering the world drug problem.