Russia considers ASEAN an important partner, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich told ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh during their meeting in Jakarta on April 20.

Deputy PM Dvorkovich, who also oversees Russia's economic affairs, called for closer collaboration to develop practical cooperation projects between his country and the group.

ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh

Dvorkovich informed Minh of the Eurasia Economic Commission's desire to work with the ASEAN to increase trade and investment flows between the two regions.

The current geopolitical environment in the Asia-Pacific region is conducive for forging international cooperation, he said. He emphassied the central role played by ASEAN.

Russia welcomes the establishment of the ASEAN Community by 2015, he stated.

For his part, Secretary General Minh recalled his visit to Russia last year and the efficient discussions he had with Russian officials on strengthening the ASEAN-Russia partnership.

He also highlighted achievements since ASEAN and Russia forged their partnership and called on both sides to work closely to enhance the connection.

The ASEAN chief briefed the guest on the ASEAN Community building programme progress and expressed his appreciation for Russia's support to the ASEAN in realising this vision.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed their views on regional and international matters of mutual concern, including the recent developments in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as well as the forthcoming SCO Summit in July 2015 to be held in Ufa, Russia.

The Deputy PM also disclosed Russia's intention to hold an inaugural Eastern Forum in Vladivostok in July next year and extended an invitation for the Secretary-General.

(Source: VNA)