24th ASEAN–Russia Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting convenes in Jakarta
WVR - On April 1, the 24th ASEAN-Russia Joint Cooperation Committee (ARJCC) meeting at the ambassadorial level was held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to ASEAN, attended the event.
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| The 24th ASEAN-Russia Joint Cooperation Committee meeting at the ambassadorial level. (Source: Vietnam Delegation to ASEAN) |
The Russian delegation attending the meeting included not only the Ambassador and the Russian Delegation to ASEAN but also representatives from various Moscow-based agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Rosatom Corporation, among others.
In the context of celebrating 35 years of ASEAN-Russia relations (1991-2026) and 30 years of establishing the Dialogue Partnership (1996-2026), both sides reaffirmed the importance of the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership amidst complex and challenging global developments.
Russia committed to continuing its support for ASEAN's central role and actively participating in ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM), ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime Plus (AMMTC ), and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF).
Russian Ambassador to ASEAN Evgeny Zagaynov emphasized that Russia views ASEAN as a crucial factor in Asia-Europe integration and cooperation. Russia will continue to enhance substantive cooperation with ASEAN, contributing to peace, stability, and development in the region, based on adherence to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
ASEAN countries and Russia welcomed the positive results in implementing the Comprehensive Action Plan for 2021-2026, achieving an 82% completion rate. They agreed to accelerate efforts to finalize the next phase of the Action Plan. The cooperation directions agreed upon by both sides are aligned with ASEAN's priorities in the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the practical requirements of the situation.
Faced with global energy security challenges, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation to ensure stable energy supply, efficiently exploit natural gas, and develop and apply low-carbon technology, renewable energy, and civilian nuclear energy.
The Russian Energy Agency and the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) will strengthen cooperation with the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE). Russia mentioned the cooperation agreement to build a nuclear power plant with Vietnam as a typical step forward in energy cooperation between the two sides, effectively supporting the region's energy transition roadmap and sustainable development goals.
ASEAN and Russia affirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in combating transnational crime, particularly high-tech crime and ensuring cybersecurity. Russia pledged to continue organizing in-depth training courses for ASEAN law enforcement officers on digital forensics, cyber incident response, and counter-terrorism. Russia proactively proposed promoting maritime cooperation, a field where Russia has potential and ASEAN countries place importance.
In terms of economic-trade relations, both sides agreed to increase trade and investment exchanges, leveraging existing potentials to expand investment in strategic sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and high technology. With bilateral trade reaching approximately USD 21.6 billion, Russia affirmed its continued role as a reliable partner supplying agricultural products and energy to ASEAN countries while promoting new multimodal transport corridors connecting with the region.
Russia called for strengthening economic linkages between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), based on existing free trade agreements with ASEAN member countries (Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia) and economic cooperation programs between ASEAN and the EAEU.
On this occasion, Russia's Special Envoy for Asia-Europe Security Alexander Trofimov presented Russia's initiative to promote regional security cooperation in Asia-Europe, calling for active participation and support from ASEAN countries.
Contributing to the meeting, Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to ASEAN, affirmed that Russia is an important partner of ASEAN, welcoming Russia's commitment to work with ASEAN to enhance cooperation in maintaining peace, security, stability, and development in the region.
Sharing the positive outcomes of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to Russia, the Ambassador affirmed that Vietnam always values and will strive to contribute to promoting the ASEAN-Russia partnership in a substantive and effective manner.
The Ambassador suggested several directions for future cooperation between ASEAN and Russia: Encouraging Russia to actively participate and coordinate with ASEAN to enhance the effectiveness of ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF); strengthening capacity building for ASEAN law enforcement forces in combating transnational crime; cooperating to ensure energy security and developing renewable energy, including nuclear power; facilitating trade-investment and cross-border payments between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU); encouraging Russian enterprises to invest in transportation infrastructure such as metro and railways; and promoting cooperation in science-technology and innovation...
The Ambassador also requested Russia to continue its support and active participation in the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 to be held in Hanoi.
