Senior officials from ASEAN member countries and Russia have met in Myanmar's capital of Nay Pyi Taw for their 8th meeting (SOM) to discuss development of the two sides’ ties.

Participants reviewed the dialogue relations between ASEAN and Russia, and discussed the future orientation for the implementation of the ASEAN-Russia energy cooperation work plan, cooperation in fighting terrorism, and work on emergency management.

They also discussed the implementation of the comprehensive program of 2005-2015 action plan to promote cooperation between ASEAN and the Russia Federation, a road map of trade and economic cooperation and interaction in the field of science and technology.

The June 23 meeting agreed to hold the next ASEAN-Russia SOM in Russia in 2012.

Earlier on June 22, the Foreign Ministers of Myanmar and Russia conducted their fifth regular consultations to step up bilateral relations and increase cooperation in regional and international organisations.

Myanmar hosted the 8th ASEAN-Russia Joint Coordination Committee Meeting, the 7th ASEAN-Russia Joint Planning and Management Committee Meeting, and the 2nd ASEAN-Russia Working Group Meeting for the 2nd ASEAN-Russia Summit in November, 2009 since it became a coordinator of ASEAN-Russia dialogue relations in 2009./.