SOCHI (Sputnik) – In order to strengthen bilateral partnership between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Moscow should “as soon as possible” open a diplomatic mission accredited to ASEAN in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, the ASEAN-Russia Eminent Persons Group said in a report.
“Establish a separate Russian diplomatic mission with an Ambassador accredited to ASEAN in Jakarta as soon as possible,” the report said, adding that the bilateral partnership should be further strengthened “through closer interaction and collaboration on mutually beneficial activities and projects in all areas of cooperation.”
On May 19-20, the Russian resort city of Sochi hosts the Russia-ASEAN summit. ASEAN comprises Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Earlier on Friday, leaders of the countries taking part in summit adopted a declaration and approved a plan of actions on the development of bilateral cooperation until 2020.