Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on June 17 called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Russia to expand multilateral cooperation in areas including food security, energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technology and education.
Addressing the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum, Anwar noted that these sectors offer significant opportunities for collaboration as ASEAN member countries and Russia seek to diversify markets, strengthen supply chain resilience and explore new avenues for growth. At the same time, Anwar also emphasised that it is crucial for nations to strengthen connectivity, deepen trust, and pursue practical cooperation.
ASEAN understands this reality well, having emerged as one of the world's most dynamic economic regions with a growing middle class, a rapidly expanding digital economy, and a youthful population that continues to drive growth and innovation across our region.
Despite the uncertain global environment, ASEAN has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The region continues to attract investment, deepen integration, and strengthen its position within global value chains, he said.
In his speech, Anwar reiterated that ASEAN remains committed to openness, inclusivity, and cooperation, and stressed that these principles have enabled the bloc, with its population of approximately 700 million people, to preserve its strategic autonomy while reinforcing ASEAN Centrality as a stabilising force in regional affairs.
He said potential for deeper engagement remains substantial, and highlighted that the ASEAN-Russia partnership has evolved steadily over the past three and a half decades, supported by meaningful dialogue, growing economic engagement, and a shared commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation.
Anwar is in Kazan, the capital and largest city of Tatarstan, Russia, for a two-day working trip to attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit from June 17-18./.
