Putin made a statement following the Russia—ASEAN summit. The main thing

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday made a statement to the media following the Russia-ASEAN summit, which is taking place in Kazan. The main topics were the relations of the member countries of the Association. The main statements of the Russian leader are in the material of Izvestia.

About the summit

Putin pointed to the good and productive work of the Kazan summit, adding that the meeting was held in a friendly and businesslike atmosphere.

"All this clearly demonstrates the real interest of both Russia and the Southeast Asian states in the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation based on time-tested traditions of friendship and accumulated experience of multifaceted and fruitful partnership," the head of state noted.

He also drew attention to the declaration signed at the end of the summit, which emphasized the commitment of all participating States to the formation of a just and democratic multipolar world order based on universally recognized principles of international law.

On cooperation between Russia and ASEAN

During his speech, Putin said that during the summit, many constructive ideas and considerations were voiced regarding the intensification of partnership in the economic sphere.

"The participants called for a qualitative and quantitative increase in the indicators of counter-trade, an improvement in its structure, and an expansion of mutual investments. To do this, it is important to switch to national currencies in financial settlements for commercial transactions, eliminate remaining trade barriers, and simplify administrative procedures," the president noted, adding that Russia and the ASEAN countries are doing a lot to strengthen cooperation in the transport sector. In particular, transcontinental sea and rail freight transportation is expanding, new routes are being laid, and joint logistics services are being launched.

The Head of State also pointed to Russia's proposal to increase exports to ASEAN countries of high-value-added products, including fertilizers and medicines.

"At the same time, of course, we will continue to supply our Asian friends with much—needed food and energy resources," he added.

Putin said that Russia provides assistance to the states of the region in the development of nuclear energy.

Rosatom has unique technologies for the construction of power plants based on the highest safety and environmental standards and can not only build nuclear power plants, but also help create a new peaceful nuclear industry from scratch and turnkey, train specialized specialists, and transfer experience and knowledge in areas such as nuclear medicine and the use of nuclear technologies in other fields. areas, including agriculture and so on," he said.

Putin also pointed to regular consultations on such topics as the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime, and the safe use of digital technologies.

"We intend to continue to jointly promote cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and information and communication systems. Leading Russian IT companies share with their Asian colleagues their advanced developments in such sectors as data protection, artificial intelligence, smart city technologies, and so on," the Russian president noted.

The head of state paid special attention to the training of national personnel, pointing out that about 5,000 citizens from Southeast Asian countries are currently receiving education in Russian universities, including on a budgetary basis.

About tourism

The President of the Russian Federation drew special attention to the tourism sector, pointing to the growing number of Russians who visited resorts in Southeast Asian countries in 2025.

"Last year, the number of Russians visiting resorts in Southeast Asia increased by 37%. The number of tourists from the region to our country has increased by about the same amount — by 34%. Of course, we are always happy to welcome foreign guests and the interest they show in our history, culture and the rich folk traditions of Russia," Putin said.

Ending the conflict in the Middle East

During his speech, Putin noted that the summit participants unanimously welcomed the agreement between the Iranian and American sides on ending the military conflict and working on the parameters of a future peace agreement.

"We expect that the situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf will stabilize, which will have a positive impact on global energy and food markets," he said.

"I believe the fact that the document was signed by the heads of state, Mr. [US President Donald] Trump and Mr. [Iranian President Masoud] Peseshkian, which also gives reason to expect that this will be a serious document that will form the basis of future agreements," Putin said.