Laos, the 2024 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), hosted the annual series of ministerial and post-ministerial meetings of the regional bloc and ASEAN dialogue partner countries.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended the Russia-ASEAN ministerial meeting. Following the discussion, the two sides adopted a joint statement in which they agreed to strengthen interaction in various spheres.

“Relations between Russia and ASEAN in recent years have grown into a mutually beneficial strategic partnership supported by progressive and comprehensive dialogue and cooperation, and Russia’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (the Bali Treaty) has strengthened its contribution to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region,” the document said.

The sides addressed the prospects for enhancing ASEAN’s engagement with the Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The association expressed gratitude to Russia for supporting ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs.

“It is gratifying that our dialogue partners and we share a similar vision of the parameters of the emerging multipolar international order based on the firm foundation of the UN Charter and other norms of international law, as well as the increased role of Global South nations in multilateral organisations.”

“It is gratifying that our dialogue partners and we share a similar vision of the parameters of the emerging multipolar international order based on the firm foundation of the UN Charter and other norms of international law, as well as the increased role of Global South nations in multilateral organisations”

Sergey Lavrov The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs

Earlier, on the margins of the ASEAN ministerial meeting in Vientiane, Laos, the Russian Foreign Minister held a series of talks with his foreign counterparts. Sergey Lavrov held a trilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Lao PDR Saleumxay Kommasith,
Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS, reported.

“China is willing to work with Russia to firmly support each other in safeguarding their respective core interests”

Wang Yi Chinese Foreign Minister

On the first day of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, the Russian Foreign Minister also met with his counterpart from East Timor, Bendito Freitas. The parties discussed promising areas of cooperation, the press service of the Russian Foreign Ministry said. During Sergey Lavrov’s talk with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, a plan of inter-governmental consultations for 2024–2026 was signed.

The Russian foreign minister also held talks with Brunei’s second foreign minister, Erywan Yusof, on relevant issues, including cooperation in international affairs. In addition, Lavrov met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Sok Chenda Sophea. The parties considered the prospects for the development of Russian-Cambodian cooperation in foreign policy, trade, economics, and humanitarian spheres.

ASEAN includes Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar. East Timor is currently going through the process of joining ASEAN.

Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry