Alexander Ivanov, Russian Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has proclaimed Moscow’s great appreciation for the country’s efforts in its role as ASEAN Chair 2020, along with other mechanisms led by ASEAN.

In a recent media interview in Jakarta to discuss the results of the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM 53) and other related events, Ambassador Ivanov stated that the nation has successfully carried out its tasks in difficult times due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

"It is a real challenge for our Vietnamese friends and Russia is always trying its best to create favourable conditions for Vietnam in its capacity as ASEAN Chair 2020,” the Ambassador added.

According to the Russian diplomat, the 10th East Asia Summit of Foreign Ministers (EAS) represents an important step in preparations ahead of the East Asia Summit, an event where leaders of various countries will discuss current affairs of the Asia-Pacific region.

During this year’s summit it is anticipated that the most pressing issue will be the joint battle against COVID-19, along with its impact on socio-economic development.

In this context, Russia has initiated the preparation of the EAS Leaders' Declaration aimed at strengthening collective capacity in pandemic prevention efforts and response measures. This document will serve to boost joint efforts being launched to address the current crisis, whilst also contributing to strengthening the region's resilience to fight against future pandemics.

Most notably, the country, along with China, Indonesia, and Thailand have co-sponsored this declaration, which has been judged to be both timely and very important by all EAS Foreign Ministers.

According to Ambassador Ivanov, discussions at the 27th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) largely focused on key issues relating to regional stability, along with growing threats and new challenges, with Russia co-sponsoring the ARF Statement on Cooperation in Information Technology Security.

With regard to post-pandemic economic recovery, Ambassador Ivanov states that Russia is a co-sponsor of the EAS Leaders' declaration on co-operation as it promotes stable economic growth initiated by China.

Furthermore, the Russian diplomat explained that Russia initiated co-operation on the prevention of infectious diseases with ASEAN long before the outbreak of COVID-19. Indeed, several ASEAN experts have been trained at the International Research Center for Biosafety and Human Health in the Asia-Pacific region in Vladivostok, with Russia set to hold similar courses moving forward, he said.

With regard to regional security issues, Russia represents one of the main proponents on hosting EAS discussions on regional security, Ambassador Ivanov said. This dialogue is of particular importance in the context of increasing competition among regional powers, therefore affecting ASEAN and its central role.

Finally, Ambassador Ivanov noted that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN-Russia co-operation is developing well with both sides promoting a strategic partnership across multiple fields, with some joint activities being launched on an online platform.

At the ASEAN-Russia Special Ministers Meeting on COVID-19 held on June 17, both sides agreed to exchange information and experience in enhancing co-operation in the field of vaccines and many other issues.