Cooperation with ASEAN Among Russia’s Key Foreign Policy Priorities in Asia

Dragon Media News Desk

Expanding cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is one of Russia’s key foreign policy priorities in Asia, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement marking ASEAN Day.

The ministry described ASEAN as one of the central elements of the regional architecture in the Asia Pacific and noted that a broad system of multilateral mechanisms has developed around the association, involving Russia as well as other major global powers.

According to the statement, strengthening relations with ASEAN and deepening cooperation within this regional framework remain important components of Moscow’s broader policy toward Asia.

ASEAN was established in Bangkok on August 8, 1967, by Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

Brunei joined the association in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, Cambodia in 1999, and Timor Leste in 2025.

ASEAN member states observe August 8 each year as ASEAN Day.

Russia has consistently viewed ASEAN as an important platform for regional dialogue, multilateral cooperation and the development of an inclusive institutional architecture in the Asia Pacific. The Foreign Ministry’s latest statement reaffirmed Moscow’s intention to further strengthen long term political and regional engagement with the association.