ASEAN, Russia Adopt Kazan Declaration To Strengthen Strategic Partnership

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- ASEAN and Russia on Thursday adopted the Kazan Declaration, reaffirming support for ASEAN centrality and a rules-based international order while pledging closer cooperation in security, economic and technological fields.

The declaration, adopted at the conclusion of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, sets out a shared vision for a peaceful and stable future and underscores both sides' commitment to the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and international law.

"In the field of security, particular attention was given to maritime cooperation, the protection of underwater infrastructure, biosafety and combating cybercrime. The economic section covers cooperation in energy, agriculture, digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

"Partnerships with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) were also endorsed," TV BRICS reported.

Further strengthening the partnership, ASEAN and Russia also adopted joint statements on energy and culture, alongside a new Comprehensive Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Russian Federation Strategic Partnership for 2026-2030.

The energy statement formalises cooperation in the oil and gas, renewable energy, hydrogen and nuclear energy sectors, including small modular reactors, while committing both sides to improve connectivity, infrastructure and institutional ties.

Meanwhile, the cultural cooperation document promotes intercultural dialogue, collaboration in cinematography and museum activities, as well as the digitisation of cultural heritage.

The Comprehensive Plan of Action will serve as the roadmap for implementing the decisions and initiatives agreed under the strategic partnership.

In a statement summarising the summit's outcomes, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the meeting took place in a friendly and business-like atmosphere.

“During the summit, many constructive ideas and useful practical proposals were put forward regarding the intensification of partnership in the economic sphere.

“Participants expressed support for both qualitative and quantitative growth in mutual trade, improvements in its structure, and the expansion of reciprocal investment,” he said.

The ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit was held on June 17 and 18 to mark the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations.

The summit was co-chaired by Putin and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose country holds the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.

-- BERNAMA