Address by the President of Russia at the state reception
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ladies and gentlemen, friends,
I would like to once again welcome you all to Russia.
We are meeting in Kazan, a beautiful and ancient city that reflects the cultural and religious diversity of our country, its rich historical and spiritual heritage, and, at the same time, it is a modern, dynamic and outward-looking megacity. I am confident that you will experience genuine hospitality and warmth of the Russian people and have an opportunity to learn about their rich traditions.
Our summit is being held as part of the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of relations between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It has brought together leaders, heads of government, top politicians, and government officials from all 11 ASEAN member states.
The distinguished composition of participants clearly demonstrates the shared commitment of Russia and the countries of Southeast Asia to strengthening their partnership, elevating it to a new level, and further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in politics and security, the economy, trade, investment, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
We believe that our current summit, together with the documents prepared for endorsement – namely the Kazan Declaration and the Joint Plan of Action – will make a full contribution to achieving this overarching objective.
I am confident that we can face the future with optimism, because the partnership between Russia and ASEAN rests on close bonds of friendship, a spirit of mutual support, and a wealth of positive experience of cooperation.
The Soviet Union once played a significant role in helping many nations of Southeast Asia overcome the legacy of colonialism, supporting the development of their statehood, building the foundations of their economies, and strengthening their defence capabilities.
Tens of thousands of students from Southeast Asia have graduated from our higher education institutions. The knowledge and skills they acquired – as engineers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, economists, and specialists in countless other fields – have brought, and continue to bring, tangible benefits to the citizens of your countries.
Today, Russia and ASEAN states are jointly building on and enhancing those fine traditions of mutually beneficial cooperation, while working to deepen our partnership. Importantly, we stand together in advocating a just and equitable world order, upholding the principles of sovereign equality of states and non-interference in their internal affairs.
Both Russia and ASEAN countries share common moral values, respect one another’s national identities, and recognise the rich cultural and civilisational diversity of our world. Every one of our nations follows its own development path and does not seek to impose its views on others – and that, without a doubt, is our collective strength.
Let me stress that Russia stands ready to continue its active engagement with ASEAN member states to reinforce our strategic partnership, in the interests of ensuring the security, well-being, and prosperity of our countries and peoples, as well as the broader Eurasian region.
I wish us all every success in this constructive endeavour, and I would like to propose a toast to the health of heads of delegations and of all those present here today, for the further strengthening of strategic partnership between Russia and ASEAN, for development and prosperity of our countries, happiness and well-being of our peoples, for the success of this anniversary summit!
Thank you very much.