Putin spoke at a reception in honor of the heads of delegations of the Russia—ASEAN summit. The main thing

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at a reception in honor of the heads of delegations participating in the Russia-ASEAN summit, which is taking place in Kazan. The main statements of the Russian leader are in the material of Izvestia.

About the summit

During his speech, Putin noted that the representative composition of the summit participants convincingly testifies to the mutual desire of Russia and the Southeast Asian states to strengthen their partnership, to bring it to a new, more advanced level, and to do everything possible to increase mutually beneficial ties and contacts in politics, security, economics, trade, investment, and cultural and humanitarian spheres.

"We believe that our current summit and the documents prepared for approval at its end, the Kazan Declaration and the Joint Action Plan, will fully contribute to achieving this comprehensive goal," the president said.

About cooperation

"I am sure we can look forward to the future with optimism, as cooperation between Russia and ASEAN is based on strong bonds of friendship and mutual assistance, as well as the accumulated positive experience of partnership," Putin said.

The President also recalled that at one time, the Soviet Union helped many peoples of Southeast Asia to free themselves from the legacy of the colonial era, supported the establishment of statehood and the foundations of the economy, and strengthened their defense capabilities.

"Tens of thousands of students from Southeast Asia have graduated from our universities. The knowledge they gained and the professions of engineers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, economists and many others have brought and still bring practical benefits to the citizens of your countries," he said.

The Head of State added that today Russia and the ASEAN countries jointly continue to develop and enhance the traditions of mutually beneficial cooperation, and are working to deepen partnership ties.

"What is important is that we stand together for the formation of a just system of the world order, we defend the principles of sovereign equality of states and non—interference in internal affairs," Putin said.

He also drew attention to the fact that both Russia and the ASEAN states adhere to common moral values, respect each other's national identity, and recognize the cultural and civilizational diversity of the world.

"All our states follow their own development model and do not impose their views on anyone. And this is certainly our strength," the Russian president noted, adding that Russia is ready to continue active joint work with the ASEAN member countries in order to strengthen strategic partnership in the interests of ensuring the security, well—being and prosperity of countries and peoples, as well as the Eurasian region as a whole.