The message reads:
”Russia sees ASEAN as an authoritative and influential organization which actively assists integration processes in the Asian and Pacific region. We highly value the constructive role that ASEAN plays in ensuring stability in Southeast Asia, in its economic and social development.
Multi-faceted cooperation with the ASEAN member countries is an important part of Russia’s foreign policy. It is pleasing to see that our cooperation has grown consistently stronger over the last decade. A number of major initiatives are now being realised, including in such key areas as the fight against international terrorism. There are excellent prospects for our trade- and economic, scientific and technological and cultural cooperation. The signing of the 2003 joint declaration on partnership for peace and security and also for prosperity and development of the Asia-Pacific region, and Russia’s forthcoming signature of the Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation in South-East Asia, lay a solid legal and political foundation for relations between Russia and ASEAN.
Russia is firmly committed to continuing to build a partnership with ASEAN in the interests of peace, prosperity, security and progress throughout our common Asian-Pacific region.“