Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says that Russia is keen to forge closer ties with ASEAN during his talks with his Filipino counterpart Albert del Rozario, in Moscow on Mar. 13.

He said that Russia supports the central role that ASEAN plays in ensuring regional security.

Rozario said that the Philippines sees Russia as one of its leading partners and praised its role in maintaining peace and stability across the region.

Both parties share the same view on cooperation and security in Asia Pacific and agreed to increase economic and trading links.-VNA