Russian Envoy Calls for Stronger Cooperation Against Emerging Security Threats

Dragon Media News Desk

Russia’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Evgeny Zagaynov, has called for stronger regional and interregional cooperation to address emerging risks related to terrorism, extremism, transnational crime and artificial intelligence.

Zagaynov made the remarks while participating in the High-Level Conference of High Contracting Parties to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in Manila, the Philippines, on July 24.

Speaking at a breakout session titled “Advancing Cooperation in Addressing Emerging Threats and Challenges,” held as part of activities marking the treaty’s 50th anniversary, he said the agreement had served for five decades as a key code of conduct governing interstate relations in Southeast Asia.

Referring to the 2024 ASEAN–Russia Joint Statement, Zagaynov said Russia’s accession to the treaty had strengthened its contribution to peace, stability and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia acceded to the treaty in 2004.

According to the Russian mission to ASEAN, Zagaynov said Moscow attaches great importance to combating transnational crime. He noted that terrorist and extremist threats were evolving amid growing radicalisation and the misuse of information and communications technology, which had accelerated the spread of destructive ideologies.

He said Russia remained committed to addressing development and security challenges related to artificial intelligence and to developing and deploying trusted AI systems.

Zagaynov stressed the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation and make effective use of specialised mechanisms under the Russia–ASEAN Dialogue Partnership, the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit to prevent the full range of emerging threats.

He also called for exploring possible synergies among regional organisations and groupings, including ASEAN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS.

The Russian side maintained that rapidly changing security challenges could not be effectively addressed by any single country or organisation and therefore required comprehensive and coordinated approaches.

Representatives of ASEAN member states and other high contracting parties attended the anniversary conference, where they exchanged views on regional peace, maritime security, mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes and emerging global challenges.