The main session of the Russia-ASEAN summit has commenced in Kazan, Russia, marking the 35th anniversary of relations between Russia and ASEAN. The meeting, co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is set to release four key documents, including the ‘Kazan Declaration’. The summit will also approve a joint action plan for 2026 to 2030 to enhance cooperation in energy, transportation, agriculture, and digital technology sectors.
The summit in Kazan began with President Putin welcoming the heads of foreign delegations at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Center on Thursday morning. Prior to the meeting’s start, the leaders gathered for a group photo, according to the news agency TASS. The event commemorates 35 years of Russia-ASEAN relations.
Co-chaired jointly by Presidents Putin and Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the participating leaders are presenting their perspectives on international and regional issues. They are reviewing the longstanding partnership between Russia and ASEAN and setting new objectives in political, security, trade, and investment areas. The session will conclude with the signing of four significant documents.
The centerpiece of these is the issuance of the ‘Kazan Declaration,’ which outlines the shared views of Russia and ASEAN on international matters. It emphasizes commitment to the rule of law and the establishment of a democratic global order. Additionally, the joint action plan covering 2026 to 2030 will be officially adopted. Following the formal session, a ‘working breakfast’ is being held for the leaders to discuss economic integration in the Eurasian region.
Representatives from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Eurasian Economic Commission are also participating in these discussions. The leaders will review the report from the business forum held the previous day. President Putin has scheduled separate bilateral meetings with several prime ministers today, including those from Vietnam, East Timor, Cambodia, Singapore, and Thailand. On Wednesday, he held talks with the President of the Philippines, the leader of Brunei, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, and Turkey’s Foreign Minister.
