Sochi (VNA) – Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a ceremony on May 19 to r👍eceive ASEAN leaders participating in the ASEAN-Russia summit in Sochi.
At the reception, he affirmed that both sides share common ground on various issues.
He said it is the first time the summit has been held in Russia, with the Sochi Declaration expected to be adopted on May 20.
The declaration shows the intention to elevate the partnership to a new strategic level, realising its full potential in trade, politics, culture and security, Putin stated.
The same day, Putin held bilateral talks with many ASEAN leaders.
In his meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, both sides underscored the preparation for the signing of a free trade pact between Singapore and the Eurasian Economic Union.
They noted scientific research was a highlight in their cooperation.
Russia has so far invested 2.5 billion USD in Singapore, while the Asian country has channeled 1 billion USD into Russia.
The meeting between Putin and his Myanmar counterpart U Htin Kyaw resulted in both sides devising a cooperation road map for 2017, with a focus on diversifying trade ties. Myanmar said it wants to welcome more Russian tourists.
The Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah told Putin his country wants to buy Russia’s Sukhoi Superjet aircraft and boost bilateral ties in the energy sector. Lukoil, the largest oil company in Russia, recently started purchasing crude oil in Brunei.
Talks between Putin and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak focused on tourism, trade and military cooperation. They agreed to set up direct flights connecting the two countries and consider a free trade agreement to improve bilateral trade and tourism.
The Russian President also met with leaders from Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia.-VNA
Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will visit Russia from May 17-19 to forge the bilateral ties and sign a number of cooperation agreements between the two nations.
Culture and arts ministers and officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Russian Federation identified priorities in cultural cooperation between the two sides.
The ASEAN-Russia business forum took place in Sochi, Russia on May 19 on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit marking the 20 th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.
The Party, State and Government of Vietnam always regard Russia as a significant strategic priority in their diplomatic policy of multilateralisation and international integration.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (Photo: AFP/VNA)
