Putin hosts summit with leaders of Asian countries

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed leaders from 11 Southeast Asian nations to a summit in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, to mark 35 years of cooperation. The meeting, held in the city about 700 kilometers east of Moscow, aimed to bolster ties between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Representatives from ASEAN countries arrived on Wednesday for the main meeting on Thursday. The summit's agenda included exchanging views on global and regional issues, and strengthening connections in security, trade, investment, and humanitarian cooperation. Putin has actively sought to deepen political and economic links with Asia during Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. Facing extensive Western sanctions after the invasion, Russia has redirected its economy towards Asia, particularly for oil exports. Among the attendees were prime ministers from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore, along with the Philippines' president, Ferdinand Marcos. The summit highlighted Russia's efforts to build partnerships in Asia as it navigates international isolation.