Russia Reaffirms Commitment to ASEAN Cooperation at 19th East Asia Summit

LAOS, RAKYAT NEWS – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov participated in the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) On October 11 held in Vientiane, Laos.

This significant gathering brought together leaders and representatives from various nations to discuss critical issues affecting the region.

During the summit, Minister Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to enhancing the cooperation mechanisms established by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He emphasized that this cooperation is essential for reinforcing a multipolar world order and ensuring a secure, conflict-free environment in Asia.

Lavrov noted that a stable and peaceful Asia is vital for sustainable development and equitable partnerships among nations.

He highlighted that these goals can only be achieved through collaboration and mutual understanding within the region.

Russian representatives expressed serious concerns regarding the emergence of bloc structures that operate independently of ASEAN.

They specifically pointed to the risks posed by military and military-political alliances that could destabilize the region.

The delegation underscored the growing threat of militarization in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in light of NATO’s expanding influence. This development raises alarms about the potential for increased tensions and conflicts among nations.

In order to reaffirming existing initiatives, Minister Lavrov introduced new proposals aimed at fostering regional cooperation. These include supporting remote areas and enhancing social and cultural connections among member states.

The Russian initiatives also focus on creating a regional framework for collective responses to epidemic threats and promoting tourism cooperation. Such measures aim to strengthen ties and build resilience within the region.

Throughout his remarks, Minister Lavrov reiterated Russia’s commitment to creating a cohesive space for joint development and security across Eurasia. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the potential of multilateral organizations, particularly the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), ASEAN, and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).