Putin Hosts ASEAN Summit, Calls for Stronger Russia-Southeast Asia Partnership

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders in Kazan, underscoring Moscow's efforts to deepen economic, political and security ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) amid a shifting global geopolitical landscape.

The summit, held to mark the 35th anniversary of Russia-ASEAN relations , brought together leaders and representatives from ASEAN member states, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

Addressing the gathering, Putin described Russia's partnership with ASEAN as an important stabilizing force in the Asia-Pacific region , emphasizing cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests. He said Russia and ASEAN had expanded collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, energy, agriculture, digitalization, science and technology, tourism and efforts to address emerging security challenges.

Leaders participating in the summit agreed to further strengthen their strategic partnership and explore new avenues of cooperation. A joint declaration issued after the meeting reaffirmed support for a "just multipolar world" guided by international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The summit agenda included discussions on regional and global developments, a review of existing Russia-ASEAN initiatives and plans for future cooperation. Participants also pledged to maintain regular high-level engagement to advance bilateral and multilateral ties.

Putin held a series of bilateral meetings with ASEAN leaders on the sidelines of the summit. The meeting was co-chaired by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. , whose country currently holds ASEAN's rotating presidency.

The gathering highlighted Russia's growing diplomatic outreach to Southeast Asia as ASEAN nations continue to balance relations with major global powers while pursuing economic growth and regional stability.