Later this October, Kuala Lumpur will host a series of Asean events at the leaders’ level, including the East Asia Summit, bringing together key policymakers at a time of global transformation.
For over a quarter of a century, Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) have nurtured a unique partnership that has not only stood the test of time but has also evolved into a strategic pillar of regional stability. Today, as the international order transitions towards multipolarity, our dialogue partnership represents a model of how states can cooperate on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and shared benefit. Russia regards Asean as a central element of the Asia-Pacific architecture and a trusted partner. In turn, Asean has consistently welcomed Russia’s constructive role.
The formalisation of Russia-Asean relations began in 1996, when Russia became a full Dialogue Partner of Asean. This marked the beginning of a structured, long-term relationship that soon encompassed a wide range of political, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions. Milestones such as the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Summit, the 2016 Commemorative Summit in Sochi, the 2018 Summit in Singapore and the 2021 Summit (online) provided further impetus for strengthening cooperation.
The designation of Russia-Asean relations as a Strategic Partnership in 2018 was a recognition of accumulated trust and shared objectives. It signalled our joint commitment to address pressing regional and global issues, including security, development, education, science, and culture. Importantly, the partnership has always been premised on Asean centrality — a principle that Russia fully respects.
The Comprehensive Plan of Action to the Asean and Russia Strategic Partnership (2021-2025) is being actively implemented. There are numerous joint projects and programmes in the fields of culture, sports, education and science. The advanced law enforcement training courses to explore the Russian experience in combating terrorism are being conducted annually for the experts of Asean countries.
An important area of Russia-Asean cooperation is strengthening ties between our young generations. In this context, we organise youth summits. In 2024, the first Asean-Russia Young Diplomats Summit took place in Sochi.
In the past years, Russia and Asean have faced an array of challenges that no single nation can address alone. The Covid-19 pandemic tested the resilience of our societies, economies and healthcare systems. Russia was among the first to offer vaccines and scientific collaboration, while Asean partners engaged actively in sharing best practices, thereby demonstrating the practical value of solidarity.
Since 2024, Russia has officially become an Asean Digital Partner. It is a significant step towards the development of technological innovation and digital cooperation between Russia and Asean.
Russia and Asean have consistently highlighted the need for cooperative solutions, rejecting unilateralism and coercive measures that undermine sustainable development.
Transnational crime, terrorism, and threats to security in the use of ICTs further underscore the importance of coordinated responses. The Asean-Russia Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism illustrate how our partnership contributes to regional security beyond rhetoric. The Asean-Russia Dialogue on ICT Security-related Issues is successfully functioning to combat online scam call centres and other crimes with the use of ICTs.
Russia and Asean countries share a common vision. It is an approach of a multipolar world based on sovereign equality and inviolability of international law. It is precisely this convergence that allows our partnership to flourish. We do not dictate to one another — on the contrary, we engage in dialogue. We do not seek to create exclusive blocs; we build bridges.
In this regard, Russia’s concept of the Greater Eurasian Partnership proposed by President Vladimir Putin offers a framework for linking integration processes across the continent — from the Eurasian Economic Union to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Brics and Asean.
Rather than replacing existing mechanisms, it aims to create synergies, reduce fragmentation and promote connectivity in trade, energy, infrastructure and people-to-people contacts. Russia’s support for Asean centrality, neutrality and inclusiveness directly serves this objective.
Leaders’ meetings in Kuala Lumpur are a good opportunity to reflect on the journey of our partnership and its broader implications. In today’s turbulent world, the Russia-Asean dialogue partnership is more than a success story; it is a role model of relations in a multipolar world.
Looking ahead, Russia stands ready to continue working hand in hand with Asean partners to build a just, balanced and sustainable regional and global order. Our shared future depends not on confrontation but on cooperation, not on dominance but on dialogue. This is the message Russia brings to Kuala Lumpur — and to the broader Asia-Pacific community.