Russia considers ASEAN as important regional security partner

Illustrative image (Source: russia-asean20.ru)

Hanoi (VNA) – Russia considers the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an important strategic partner in ensuring regional security and stability.

Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Lieutenant General Alexander Fomin made the statement on June 4 at the 16th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

He noted that the position was recorded in final documents of last year’s Russian Federation-ASEAN summit, as well as an informal meeting of the defence ministers of Russia and ASEAN countries.

During the informal meeting, both sides agreed to take measures to develop Russia-ASEAN relations, including combating international terrorism, maritime security, providing assistance in disaster recovery operations, military medicine and mine-cleaning operations, he added.

The deputy minister said that Russia has announced several initiatives to strengthen collective activities in the region and develop common code of conducts for all sides in Asia-Pacific.

He emphasised the important roles of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus mechanism in regional security, which has been proved by successful joint exercises over the years.-VNA