ISTANBUL 

Russia's partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) contributes to ensuring stability in the Asia-Pacific region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday.

Addressing the Russia-ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Lavrov said Russia can confidently describe ASEAN as a “truly reliable friend” and “like-minded” partner, and that both parties are united in their commitment to “developing broad, equal international cooperation based on the UN Charter in all its totality and interrelation of its principles.”

He said Moscow “invariably” supports the central role of ASEAN’s 10 member states in regional affairs, noting that their ties have acquired a “fundamentally new quality” over the past years.

“Cooperation in the field of politics and security, countering new challenges and threats is strengthening. Cooperation in the fields of economics, energy, agriculture, and humanitarian ties has gained positive momentum,” he added.

The diplomat said Moscow proceeds from the fact that this meeting will contribute to further uncovering the potential in Russia-ASEAN dialogue, and that the adoption of the Russia-ASEAN program document for 2026-2030 is intended to facilitate the solution to problems by proposing to set forth current goals and priority areas of cooperation.

Lavrov arrived in the Malaysian capital earlier Thursday as part of a visit to attend ASEAN’s annual ministerial events, including foreign ministers’ meetings in the format of the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum on security.

He also held talks with his Chinese, Laotian, Malaysian, and Sri Lankan counterparts on the sidelines.