The president, opening the plenary session of the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, stated that these relations have the character of a strategic partnership, which, amidst geopolitical turbulence, constitutes an important stabilizing factor in the Asia-Pacific region.

He also noted that they contribute to building a balanced security architecture and equitable and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Russian head of State pointed out that ASEAN is an organization that “enjoys prestige not only in the Asia-Pacific but throughout the world” and that “has stood the test of time by building a system of international cooperation based on the universal norms of international law and the reciprocal consideration of interests.”

Putin announced that Thursday’s plenary session will focus on “an exchange of views on relevant regional and international issues.”

The summit commemorating the 35th anniversary of relations between Russia and ASEAN is being held on June 17 and 18 in the Russian city of Kazan.

Founded in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) currently comprises 11 countries: Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

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