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./.
VNA
