ASEAN, Russia keen to bring relations to new height
The ASEAN-Russia strategic partnership is hoped to be lifted to a new height, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said during a regular press briefing in Moscow on February 9.
Leaders of ASEAN and Russia attend the commemorative summit last October. (Photo: VNA)
Moscow (VNA) – The ASEAN-Russia strategicpartnership is hoped to be lifted to a new height, Russian Foreign MinistrySpokesperson Maria Zakharova said durinღg a regular press briefing in Moscow onFebruary 9.
Commenting on the launch of the ASEAN-Russia Year ofScience-Technology and Industrial Cooperation slated for February 14, sheunderlined that the Russian side proposed the holding of the event during theASEAN-Russia commemorative summit last year on the occasion of the 30th founding anniversary of the bilateral relations. Cooperation projects will be in the fields of innovation,high technology and in-depth knowledge. The implementation of the programmes isexpected to strengthen existing cooperation in the fields and bring thebilateral strategic partnership to a new height, the official said. The opening ceremony will be held via videoconference withthe participation of high-ranking officials of the Russian Ministry of Scienceand Higher Education and relevant agencies of ASEAN member countries. At the pressbriefing, Zakharova informed participants of the upcoming meeting between Russian Ministerof Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov and members of the ASEAN Moscow Committee,including ambassadors of ASEAN nations. The event isscheduled to take place on February 17, with a focus on the implementation of the decisions made during the ASEAN-Russia commemorative summit in last October. Officials willdiscuss measures to enhance the strategic partnership in politics, trade,economy and culture. The Russian sideplaced importance on joint efforts in response to current challenges andthreats, the spokesperson said, adding that delegates will touch upon currentinternational and regional issues, particularly bolstering ASEAN’s central rolein Asia-Pacific. In late January, speaking before the State Duma deputies,Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov affirmed that the European nation is keen toexpand interactions with most of partners in Asia-Pacific, notably ASEAN. He remarked thatcooperation with the organisation enjoys rapid development, and voice his support for ASEAN’sleading role in addressing current crisis in Myanmar./.
ASEAN and Russian Foreign Ministers virtually convened their meeting on August 4 as part of the ongoing 54th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related Meetings.
Vietnam has been always making efforts to contribute to the development of the strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Russia, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed at the 4th ASEAN-Russia Summit commemorating the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations, held virtually on October 28.
Russia and some Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) member countries on December 1 launched their first ever joint naval exercise along the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, according to the Indonesian navy.
Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) intend to adopt an updated strategy on fighting terrorism next year, TASS news agency reported, citing Russian Permanent Representative to ASEAN Alexander Ivanov.
Prensa Latina's recent article on Vietnam’s assurance of smooth and effective transition to a leaner structure highlighted Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s latest directions on implementing 28 resolutions regarding the decentralisation and delegation of authority.
The lab focuses on four key thematic areas: energy transition and green innovation, sustainable agriculture, circular economy and sustainable cities, and nature-based solutions and biodiversity.
The key content of the document titled "Accelerating Innovative Strategies: Addressing the OOSCY Challenges" will be refined further in a seminar preceding the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October.
This follows Telegram’s serious failure to address the content that has been repeatedly reported to them, despite various efforts of negotiation and cooperation made by MCMC, it said.
Efforts to empower women must transcend dialogue and translate into concrete commitments, including corporate pledges and government partnerships, according to the spouse of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The forum featured two in-depth discussion sessions, engaging representatives from governments, think tanks, and businesses from both ASEAN and China, on how to forge closer ties for a common future.
The new FIFA Hub in Jakarta will not only support football development in Indonesia but also serve as a coordination centre for 21 football associations across Southeast and East Asia.
Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen reaffirmed Vietnam’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the entire Gaza Strip.
PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Leaders of ASEAN and Russia attend the commemorative summit last October. (Photo: VNA) 
