Стр. 6 - V

Author : Saleumxay Kommasith
Foreign Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, ASEAN Chair for 2016, ASEAN Coun-
try Coordinator for Dialogue Relations with Russia (August 2015-July 2018)
IN MY CAPACITY as Chair of ASEAN in
2016, it is my pleasure and honor to make a
symbolic contribution to the publication of the
International Affairs magazine in Russia, mark-
ing the 20th anniversary of Dialogue Relations
between ASEAN and Russia.
The Lao PDR, which has the responsibility to
start ASEAN (Association of the Southeast
Asian Nations) on its new path as a Community,
has adopted the theme "Turning Vision into Re-
ality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community" for its ASEAN Chairmanship 2016. We are moving
towards a rules-based, people-oriented, people-centered ASEAN.
ASEAN today has grown and prospered since its establishment forty-nine years ago. With a
combined population of 625 million and gross domestic product of approximately USD 2.6
trillion, ASEAN collectively is the third largest economy in Asia and the seventh largest in the
world.
We are optimistic about continued peace and stability in our region and confident that our people
can look forward to a brighter and more prosperous future.
RUSSIA has been a valued and important Partner of ASEAN since links were first established
in July 1991 when the then Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation attended the
ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Within five years of this first step in ASEAN-
Russia relations, Russia was elevated to a full Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 1996, a reflection
of ASEAN's confidence that Russia would contribute extensively to ASEAN's growth and de-
velopment and play a key role in promoting peace and stability in the region. ASEAN regards
relations with Russia as important not only because it is a major power but due to its potential
to establish multi-faceted cooperation with ASEAN for mutual benefit.
ASEAN's relations with Russia have deepened and expanded significantly over the past 20 years
in all sectors from political-security cooperation, enhanced economic relations and closer socio-
cultural links.
ASEAN-Russia economic ties have strengthened over the years. Total trade for the last year
recorded slightly more than USD 23 billion which was a significant 350% growth over the past
eight years, while Foreign Direct Investment from Russia into ASEAN has shown an upward
trend. Tourism arrivals from Russia to ASEAN are healthy registering about 2.4 million last year
although these numbers can be improved further.
Overall the scope of ASEAN-Russia cooperation has expanded in the past few years to include
Электронное приложение к журналу «Международная жизнь»
ASEAN and Russia: An Enduring Partnership