Russia-ASEAN relations at centre of attention at Moscow roundtable
The prospect of the ASEAN-Russia ties was at centre of attention at a recent round-table conference held by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC).
At the 9th AEM-Russia Consultations in August (Photo: VNA)
Moscow (VNA) – The prospect of the ASEAN-Russia ties was at centreof attention at a recent round-table conference held by the RussianInternational Affairs Council (RIAC).
Participants noted that the two sides had many importantanniversaries in 2020 such as the 70th anniversary of diplomaticrelations between Russia and Vietnam and Indonesia, and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Laos.
They also regretted that many projects, contracts andplans had been changed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the US’ssanction measures or instability in some Southeast Asian countries.
However, cooperation with Vietnam is a bright spot in theRussia-ASEAN ties, particularly when Vietnam played the role as the ASEAN Chair2020, Russian experts said, pointing to a wide range of online conferences organizedduring the year, and many cooperation mechanisms set up to fight the pandemic.
In 2021, ASEAN and Russia will mark their 25th anniversary ofdialogue partnership, they said, adding the two sides must work more toconsolidate their strategic collaboration attained in the past two years.
Regarding the relations between Russia and theAsia-Pacific in general and with its key partners in the region in particular, participantsnoted that they have faced formidable challenge due to the impacts of COVID-19,global economic slowdown and fierce competition between the US and China.
In the context that the US imposes sanctions on both China and Russia, the twocould find a driver for the development of their ties.
Russia also witnessed positive development in the relations with Japan in thepast year, participants said. However, it would be impossible for both nationsto create breakthrough for negotiation on a peace treaty in 2021.
With India which has suffered a lot from the pandemic, Russia will have to investmore to maintain trade exchange with the nation. According to Russian customs,trade in goods with India in the first nine months of this year fell over 16percent year-on-year./.
Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Federal Council of Russia Konstantin Kosachev has lauded Vietnam’s efforts in its capacity as Chair of the 41st General Assembly of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-41) in ensuring AIPA’s activities amid the global COVID-19 outbreak.
As Vietnam is serving as ASEAN Chair in 2020, many Russian experts have their belief in the Southeast Asian nation’s activeness in promoting ASEAN-Russia cooperative relations.
The ASEAN Week 2020, which was hosted by the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, with a series of cultural, scientific and educational events, concluded on December 11, helping to strengthen ASEAN-Russia exchanges and cooperation.
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).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
At the 9th AEM-Russia Consultations in August (Photo: VNA) 
