Russia to discuss Eurasian security structure at ASEAN meetings

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initiative on Eurasian security architecture when he attends events within the framework of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-57) and related meetings in Laos, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Rudenko said that in the current context, President Putin's initiative to build the Eurasian security architecture will have special significance. Russia considers ASEAN, with its foundation on the principles of equality, respect for all nations and connectivity, as a "natural partner" in this process.

He added that those issues will be on the agenda of ministerial meetings such as the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), along with other issues of anti-terrorism, transnational and maritime cooperation.

Earlier, on June 14, speaking to senior officials of the Russian Foreign Ministry, President Putin emphasised that the country should promote the building of an indivisible Eurasian security architecture that takes into account the interests of all countries without exception.

It is expected that Foreign Minister Lavrov will also conduct many bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the AMM-57 and relating meetings in Laos.

According to Rudenko, expanding cooperation with ASEAN is one of the priorities in Russia's foreign policy in Asia. At the ASEAN-Russia Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the two sides are expected to focus on expanding cooperation, especially in the fields of high technology, digitalisation, energy, and humanitarian relief. The two sides also planned to launch a new five-year action programme from 2026-2030.

The Russian Foreign Minister will attend the AMM-57 and related meetings from July 26-27 in Laos./.

VNA