ASEAN and Russia boost comprehensive cooperation

Leaders from ASEAN and Russia convened in Kazan, Russia, for the 35th Anniversary Summit of ASEAN-Russia Relations, agreeing to bolster their partnership to navigate global challenges and foster peace and stability. Vietnam's Prime Minister, Lê Minh Hưng, led the Vietnamese delegation, highlighting three key directions for enhanced cooperation.

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ASEAN and Russia agreed to strengthen high-level dialogue and deep, substantive cooperation in trade, investment, science, technology, education, people-to-people exchanges, and emerging fields such as the digital economy, innovation, AI, cybersecurity, and maritime cooperation.

The summit acknowledged the volatile global landscape and its impact on security and development. Both ASEAN and Russia committed to deepening their dialogue and collaboration across various sectors. These include trade, investment, science, technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Special emphasis was placed on emerging fields such as the digital economy, innovation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Energy security and agricultural supply chains were also identified as priority areas for joint efforts.

Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng affirmed Vietnam's commitment to its strategic partnership with Russia, supporting Russia's role in promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and globally. He stressed the need for ASEAN and Russia to proactively create a more stable, balanced, and sustainable environment amidst complex global shifts. Vietnam advocates for the peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law and the UN Charter, supporting dialogue and sustainable peace solutions.

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Vietnam always values the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia, and supports Russia in playing a more active role and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in Asia-Pacific and the world.

The leaders also underscored the importance of ASEAN centrality in regional architecture, promoting an open, transparent, and resilient regional framework. They emphasized maritime and aviation security, as well as unimpeded trade in accordance with international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. The agreement between the U.S. and Iran regarding the Middle East situation was welcomed, with hopes for its effective implementation and long-term peace.

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ASEAN and Russia need to proactively work together to create a more stable, balanced, and sustainable environment.