Phnom Penh: At its penultimate event, this week’s ASEAN summits saw the 4th ASEAN-Russian Summit, attended by ASEAN heads of state and Russian President, Vladimir Putin. The leaders approved three key documents, namely: the Comprehensive Action Plan for the Implementation of the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership 2021-2025; the ASEAN-Russia Statement on Building a safe and sustainable region; and the ASEAN-Russia cooperation in tackling and combating global drug problems.
As Cambodia is the facilitator of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership, Prime Minister Hun Sen was invited to represent ASEAN to read the common interests of ASEAN in this meeting to the President of Russia. He highlighted a number of issues. With regards to political-security cooperation, the Prime Minister says ASEAN understands that as the world enters a new era of technology, “building a close and strong partnership to address common issues in this area is crucial. In this regard, ASEAN would like to express its satisfaction with the organization of the first ASEAN-Russia Dialogue on Technology, Communications and Information.”
ASEAN also thanked Russia for its support in providing training on counter-terrorism and transnational crime, requesting that the Russian Federation provide more training, as well as support for the ASEAN Vision on the Indo-Pacific, as well as to consider cooperation opportunities in other ASEAN priority areas as well.
The meeting then turned its attention to economic matters, with ASEAN and Russia pledging to strengthen economic cooperation. They agreed to implement a revised roadmap for ASEAN-Russia trade and investment cooperation, as well as the ASEAN-Russia Trade and Investment Work Program 2021-2025, specifically investing in food, agriculture, transportation, energy and tourism.
In line with living with Covid-19 in the “new normal”, in which technology will play an important role, ASEAN welcomed Russia's initiative to designate 2022 as the Year of ASEAN-Russia scientific and technological cooperation. At the same time, ASEAN expressed pleasure that both sides have agreed to enhance tourism cooperation to the ministerial level.
Regarding socio-cultural cooperation, ASEAN said it was grateful that Russia has provided training for health professionals from ASEAN member countries over the past two years and encouraged Russia to continue supporting this sector by developing human resources in the region. ASEAN leaders also said they were looking forward to the preparation and adoption of the ASEAN-Russia Education Action Plan 2021-2025.
During the meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia supports ASEAN's core role in the mechanisms established by ASEAN. He also said that he had known many ASEAN heads of government and had worked together for many years. He welcomed “deepening ties” between ASEAN and Russia, and stressed that ASEAN-Russia cooperation must continue to maintain security and stability in the region. The Russian president has made promoting cooperation with ASEAN a top priority and that he will continue to push for more relevant meetings between ASEAN and Russia.
