Russia, ASEAN to tighten cooperation against terrorism

Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are expected to discuss ways and means to further strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism and transnational crimes.

This will be taken during the 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) which opens Sunday at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Russia has proposed the formation of ASEAN-Russia joint working groups on terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, money laundering and cooperation in prosecuting transnational crimes under the ASEAN-Russia Joint Declaration on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism.

Russia and ASEAN member countries have experienced terrorist attacks in the past and are eager to establish a solid front against global terrorism.

Russia has been a full dialogue partner of ASEAN since l996.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet with his counterparts from the 10 ASEAN member countries during the Post Ministerial Conference on Aug. 1.

A nuclear power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Russia had taken important steps to ensure political stability and security in the region.

In 2004, it signed the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), giving weight to the TAC as the code of conduct for interstate relations in the region. China had also earlier signed the TAC.

"ASEAN-Russia political and security cooperation is expected to strengthen given the convergence in interest in ensuring a peaceful region to pursue economic development and to combat the menace of terrorism and transnational crimes," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Back in 2003, Russia and ASEAN inked a Joint Declaration on Partnership for Peace, Security, Prosperity and Development in Asia-Pacific, setting the tone for stronger political, economic and security cooperation.

While ASEAN’s trade with Russia remains low, both sides are working on an economic agreement to increase trade. Last year, the ASEAN-Russia Economic Development Cooperation Agreement was signed by the foreign ministers of the Russian Federation and ASEAN.

The agreement covers a broad range of economic and development activities, including cooperation in small and medium enterprises, science and technology, energy, natural resources, environmental managements and protection, tourism, sports and intellectual property rights.