VIETNAM SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTES TO THE 3RD ASEAN-RUSSIA SUMMIT RESULTS

Leaders of ASEAN and Russia at Sochi Summit. Source: Sputnik

An important political and diplomatic event, the ASEAN-Russia Summit was held in Sochi (Russia) in 19^th and 20^th May, on the occasion of the 20^th anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia dialogue partnership. The Conference ratified the Sochi Declaration and Comprehensive Plan of Action to Promote Cooperation between ASEAN and Russia  in  2016-2020.

Leaders of both sides also acknowledged several other documents, including the Report of the Eminent Persons Group from Russia and ASEAN recommending policies; the ASEAN-Russia Action Plan on Science, Technology and Innovation; a Report on the Implementation of the Working Programme on ASEAN-Russia trade and investment for 2016-2020, and the ASEAN-Russia Working Programme  on Agriculture and Food Security Co-operation.

The Summit agreed that multipolarity trend are increasing in international relations, some regional structures are being formed, in which East Asia Summit (EAS) has played a crucial role, determining the center role of ASEAN in many forums such as EAS, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defense Minister Meeting Plus (ADMM +) and welcomed the role of Russia in promoting peace, security and stability in Asia-Pacific.

The leaders affirmed a stronger cooperation in order to solve regional and international issues, such as traditional and non-traditional securities; to fight against any kinds of terrorism as well as violence of extremism and radicalism, and transnational criminal organizations, including human trafficking, illegal migration, piracy, arms smuggling, money laundering, international economic crimes and cyber crimes; to protect environments, climate changes, medical cooperation, water resources management and to improve access to clean water and clean air.

The South China Sea issues are mentioned at the 9^th and 10^th articles of Sochi Declaration. Accordingly, ASEAN-Russia leaders reaffirmed their continuing positive support to the maintenance of peace, security, safety and freedom of navigation, aviation and peaceful settlement of South China Sea disputes under international laws,  non  use of force or threat to use force.

Regarding economy, ASEAN and Russia leaders agreed to enhance trade, investment in e-commerce in order to increase bilateral trade; to actively increase trade turn-over between ASEAN members and Russia; to encourage transport cooperation; to explore cooperation in the fields of oil and gas, electricity, efficient use of energy, civil nuclear energy, renewable energy in order to enhance energy security.

Strengthening agricultural cooperation is another strong point and interest of both side in order to ensure national and regional safety food, as well as to widen trade and investment in healthy and environmentally-friendly food.

In scientific and technologic cooperation – which is Russia’ strength, the parties expressed their interests in creating conditions to develop an innovation economy in the areas of aerospace, biotechnology, nanotechnology, space technology, and pharmaceuticals; exploring cooperation through technology transfer, research and develop general technology and building capacity in space technology and application. The two sides agreed to step up contacts between the start-up business with the business associations of the member countries of ASEAN and Russia; promote favorable conditions through improving the investment environment and the joint business and trade facilitation.

In the field of culture and society, the two sides stressed the priority over educational, scientific and technological development , cultural exchange, student and youth exchanges and  people to people relation development.

The 3^rd high-level meeting between ASEAN and Russia was held in Sochi (Kuala Lumpur-2005, Hanoi-2010) on the initiative of Russian President V. Putin.

Sochi Agreement shows that Russia is implementing their Look East Policy through ASEAN, aimed at widening their influence in Asian, easing pressure embargo of the Western, involving South China Sea disputes in line with Russia’s geopolitical-economic interests.

Over the last 10 years, both sides’ trade has increased more than 5 times, from about $4 billion (2003) to over $20 billion (2015). The number of Russian travelers to  ASEAN countries had raised approximately 20 times (up to about 2.5 million people).

The Russian military industrial groups are also looking for export markets and Southeast Asia is an attractive one. Encouraging Russia's engagement in Southeast Asian affairs or South China Sea issues is beneficial for ASEAN to diversify its relations with major powers, in the context of China's growing influence and US-China harsh strategic competition.

Sochi Agreement facilitated to promote comprehensive cooperation between the countries of Southeast Asia and Russia in the medium term.

The documents made at the Sochi Summit reassessed positive and broad achievements gained in the 20 years of ASEAN-Russia dialogue in various fields of politics, security, economy, trade, cultural and people-to-people relations and development cooperation, contributing to the consolidation and strengthening of relationship as well as peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Vietnam is a longstanding partner and primary importance of Russia in Southeast Asia. The visit of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to Russia, and his attendance at the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Sochi contributed significantly to the outcomes of the event.

The Sochi agreement also clearly reflected the views of Vietnam, in conformity with the development of Vietnam-Russia relations, the geopolitical-economic interests of ASEAN-Russia as well as the interests of peace, stability and development in the Far East. /.

Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Truong

(Chinhphu.vn)