Strengthening strategic partnership between Russia and ASEAN discussed in Moscow
A meeting between Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation, and Kao Kim Hourn, the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), took place in Moscow. The main topic was focused on Russia–ASEAN cooperation in the year of the 35th anniversary of their partnership. Particular attention was given to the Secretary-General’s participation in Roscongress Foundation events, including the Russian Energy Week programme, which takes place on 14–16 October in Moscow. Kao Kim Hourn’s previous visit occurred in June 2026 in Kazan for the Russia–ASEAN Summit and the Russia–ASEAN Business Forum, where the Secretary-General delivered his welcoming remarks.
“Next week our delegation will participate in the sixth Russia–ASEAN Youth Summit, held on 21–25 October 2026 in Vladivostok, and during these days there will be participation in the Russian Energy Week business programme, which is especially important for our Association, as the energy agenda is particularly topical today. We have developed a significant set of mechanisms for interaction between the Russian Federation and ASEAN. Our task is to strengthen and expand this cooperation, building on what has been achieved over the past 35 years of our relations. My visit to the Russian Federation this time is part of efforts to develop the partnerships we have formed, and I hope these relations will continue to grow,” stressed Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN Secretary-General.
During the meeting, both sides noted that relations between Russia and ASEAN are steadily advancing, drawing on long-standing traditions of friendship and mutual respect, the principles of equality, and consideration of mutual interests. The Russia–ASEAN dialogue and partnership has been evolving since 1991. In 1996 Russia was granted the status of a full dialogue partner. In 2005 Kuala Lumpur hosted the first Russia–ASEAN Summit, and in 2018 Singapore elevated the relationship to a strategic partnership.
Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov highlighted the central role of ASEAN in Asia-Pacific affairs. “We hope to continue contributing to the strengthening of the intergovernmental framework surrounding ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region,” he said. He added that despite the sanctions policies of Western countries, Russia and ASEAN have managed to establish and increase the positive dynamics of trade and economic relations. The priority task is to expand cooperation in high-tech and innovative sectors.
In June 2026, Kazan hosted the Russia–ASEAN Summit anniversary, marking 35 years of relations. The Kazan Declaration, the Comprehensive Plan of Action to Implement the Russia–ASEAN Strategic Partnership for 2026–2030, and joint statements on energy and cultural cooperation were adopted.
“The milestone achievements in Russia–ASEAN trade and economic cooperation outlined by the leaders at the Russia–ASEAN Summit held in Kazan this June require further expansion of cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat, strengthening business contacts, developing existing interaction formats, and creating additional opportunities for direct connections between business representatives,” said Anton Kobyakov. In this regard, the collaboration between the ASEAN Secretariat and the Roscongress Foundation, with its extensive experience in organizing international forums and developing business ties, takes on particular importance.
The sides discussed involvement in implementing the roadmap of the ASEAN Secretariat, Roscongress Foundation, the Russia–ASEAN Business Council, and the ASEAN-BAC (ASEAN Business Advisory Council), which should ensure a transition from individual initiatives to systemic work. One priority proposition was to identify the list of venues in Russia and ASEAN member states for regular business contacts. For the Russian side these venues include the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Eastern Economic Forum, and Russian Energy Week, as well as industry-specific events in healthcare, design, and the creative industries.
At the end of the meeting, Anton Kobyakov invited the ASEAN Secretariat to become one of the partners of Roscongress International Cooperation Area at the 30th anniversary St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) which will take place on 16–19 June 2027. The ASEAN Secretariat’s participation will attract additional attention to developing business ties between Russia and ASEAN member states.
The Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation also wished the ASEAN Secretary-General a successful presentation at the session on Russia–ASEAN energy cooperation within the Russian Energy Week. “Russian Energy Week plays a significant role in the schedule of international events in Russia and is a major platform for discussing pressing issues in energy development and international energy cooperation,” noted Anton Kobyakov. “Russia and ASEAN are developing a strategic partnership in energy. The key document guiding cooperation in the near future is the Russia–ASEAN Work Plan on Energy Cooperation for 2026–2030, approved in June 2026 in Kazan. In 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Rosatom and the ASEAN Center for Energy, as well as a partnership agreement between the Russian Energy Agency of the Ministry of Energy of Russia and the ASEAN Center for Energy,” he added.
