ASEAN and Russia agree to strengthen partnership in various field

SHAH ALAM, MAR 31:  During the 14^th ASEAN-Russia Senior Officials’ Meeting (ARSOM) which was held in Vientiane, Laos, on March 29, the parties had agreed to expand and strengthen partnerships in various field.
In a statement reported by BERNAMA, ASEAN appreciate Russia’s interest to strengthen cooperation in fields such as science, technology and innovation, health, education, farming and food safety, energy resources, transportation, tourism and disaster risk reduction.
Through that meeting, the senior officials also agreed to explore opportunities to increase cooperation in matters of mutual interest such as fight against terrorism and extremism, transborder crimes, non-traditional security threats and cyber safety.

The meeting reached consensus to find ways to expedite the implementation of the proposals and strengthen partnership, as contained in the ASEAN-Russia three framework documents.
The meeting was chaired by Laos Deputy Foreign Minister, Thongphane Savanphet and his Russian counterpart, Igor Morgulov.
“The three documents are Sochi Declaration (issued in conjunction of Sochi Summit), 2016-2020 ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Action Plan and Rusia-ASEAN Eminent Persons Group Report for 2016, containing proposals to mobilise the partnership,” according to the statement.
ASEAN also agreed to evaluate Russia’s proposal for a free-trade agreement between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as interest in the business sector through trade missions and exhibitions.
The meeting also welcomed Russia’s decision to appoint special ambassador for ASEAN, by this August, reflecting its commitment to expand its involvement with the block which is based in Jakarta.
At the same time, Russia’s active involvement in ASEAN Regional Forum, Meeting of ASEAN Defence Ministers and the East Asia Summit was received well by the ASEAN officials.
Russia will also be organising several special events including cultural performance in conjunction with the 50^th ASEAN celebration this year.