NATO Under Pressure? Lavrov Unveils Russia's Big ASEAN Strategy for a Multipolar World

[00:00:03]Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and my distinguished colleagues.

[00:00:07]First and foremost, before I begin my remarks, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the people of Thailand and the families and loved ones of those killed in the recent horrific fire in Bangkok.

[00:00:21]We wish all those affected a speedy recovery.

[00:00:27]Dear colleagues, I am pleased to meet again.

[00:00:31]First of all, I would like to thank the Philippine chairmanship of ASEAN for the warm welcome and excellent organization of our meeting, which is taking place under the auspices of the 35th anniversary of Russia-ASEAN relations.

[00:00:47]We are also grateful to Myanmar as the coordinator of the Russia-ASEAN dialogue for its efforts to advance the strategic partnership in this format.

[00:00:59]Next year, coordinating functions will pass to Vietnam, and I have no doubt that the progressive development of Russia's relations with ASEAN will continue. During our conversations last night during a wonderful reception and this morning before the meeting, many colleagues and friends from ASEAN recalled the summit held in Kazan just over a month ago and expressed their highest praise for that summit, which clearly demonstrated Russia and ASEAN's mutual desire to further rapprochement and strengthen multifaceted cooperation based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit.

[00:01:41]The leaders of our countries reached important agreements in the areas of politics and security, combating new threats and challenges, and developing trade, economic, investment, cultural, educational, and humanitarian ties.

[00:01:55]We see very promising prospects in food and energy security, food and energy security, digital transformation, and the platform economy.

[00:02:08]The four founding documents adopted at the Kazan Summit set clear guidelines for joint work in all the aforementioned areas.

[00:02:18]Russia firmly believes that ASEAN serves as a reliable partner and like-minded ally. For our part, we consistently support ASEAN's central role in all regional affairs, and make our contribution to strengthening the system of interstate relations built around the association, which is based on the principles of international law, openness, equality, and I emphasize, consideration of the interests of all participants. Our shared understanding of international processes confirmed in Kazan, and the leaders' expressed commitment to creating a more just and sustainable multipolar world order, strengthening a balanced security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, and of course, enhancing comprehensive cooperation across our vast Eurasian continent, will greatly enhance our joint efforts.

[00:03:17]I hope that today's meeting will serve to strengthen our collaboration in all the aforementioned areas, and will give impetus to the implementation of the agreements reached at the Kazan Summit to realize the vast potential for cooperation between Russia and Asia.

[00:05:02]>> Mhm.