Russia affirms commitment to ASEAN, offers its expertise on food security

KUALA LUMPUR: Russia has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to fostering robust relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), marking it as a top priority in its updated Foreign Policy Concept.

The country's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrey Rudenko, in echoing the sentiments of mutual cooperation said the pivotal role of the Russia-ASEAN dialogue is deemed equally important in fostering security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Rudenko, who is currently on a three-day working visit to Malaysia, from March 28 to 30, noted that as stipulated in the policy, relations with ASEAN remain one of our foremost priorities.

"Russia stands for effective practical cooperation on the ASEAN-centred platforms based on the principles of equality and consensus, where each voice must be heard.

"We share the commitment of ASEAN to the principles of equal interaction and harmonious coexistence of all members of the international community," Rudenko said during the Eminent Person Lecture Series (EPLS), organised by the University of Malaya's Asia-Europe Institute (AEI) held here.

He further noted the paramount importance for ASEAN is to maintain its status as the backbone of an inclusive, balanced, and transparent regional architecture.

"It is extremely important for ASEAN, despite the growing external pressure, to stay away from bloc confrontation and to maintain its status as the backbone of the inclusive, balanced and transparent regional architecture," added Rudenko.

On regional food security, the minister added that Russia has expressed a keen interest in sharing its expertise and unique natural resource potential with its Southeast Asian partners.

"Our country is a responsible supplier of agricultural products and fertilisers with a significant portion being delivered to Asia.

"Particularly in this regard, we will consider taking additional steps in this area together with our ASEAN colleagues within the framework of the annual ASEAN-Russia Senior Officials' Meetings on Agriculture," he said.

Meanwhile, on the economic front, Rudenko underscored the significance of expanding trade and economic ties with ASEAN countries despite facing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Western sanctions.

"The matter of our particular concern is the expansion of trade and economic ties with ASEAN countries.

"Russia is an attractive and reliable partner. There are solid criteria and facts to prove that. We have entered 2024 with a stable financial system, historically low unemployment and minimal budget deficits," he said.

Rudenko highlighted ongoing efforts by economic agencies of both Russia and ASEAN to address the challenges and rectify the current situation due to Western sanctions on Russia, with a focus on using national currencies in mutual settlements being a topic of mutual interest for both parties.

Russia and ASEAN have had relations since 1991 when Russia became a Dialogue Partner, and in 1996, when it became a full partner.

-- BERNAMA