Russian seminar looks at US relations in Southeast Asia
The characteristics of relations between the US and ASEAN and key regional partners, as well as major orientations in their dialogue, were among the topics of an online seminar held by the Higher School of Economics (HSE) in Russia on January 26.
At the 8th ASEAN-US Summit held online last November (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The characteristics of relations between the US and ASEAN and keyregional partners, as well as major orientations in their dialogue, were amongthe topics of an online seminar held by the Higher School of Economics (HSE) inRussia on January 26.
The seminar broughttogether more than 100 leading Russian experts and scholars in internationalpolitics and security.
Delegates alsotouched on the new US President Joe Biden administration’s forecasted policytowards Asia, along with his stance on multilateral institutions and formats inthe region.
They shared theview that the Asia-Pacific region and Southeast Asia in particular are expectedto continue facing various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic,economic slowdown, and competition between China and the US.
Recommendations weremade on easing the impact of the challenges and spurring regional integration.
Dr AlexanderKorolev, an expert from HSE, said external and internal impacts would promptASEAN to make greater efforts to maintain its appeal and affirm its centralityin ensuring security processes in the region.
ASEAN shouldenhance solidarity and maintain consensus on major security matters, such asthe East Sea issue and the implementation of the ASEAN outlook on Indo-Pacific.
The ten-membergrouping would also carry forward its centrality by attracting China and the USin institutions such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the East Asia Summit(EAS), and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM ).
Delegates alsosuggested Russia cooperate with ASEAN in cyber security, the fight againstpirates and terrorists, and settling the consequences of natural disasters./.
ASEAN wishes to enhance effective cooperation and close coordination with the international community and partners, including the US, in order to promptly and effectively cope with emerging challenges, including the COVID-19, thus maintaining a stable environment for countries to develop sustainably.
The strategic partnership between the US and ASEAN representing the aspirations of nearly a billion of people has never been stronger and is a partnership of “free, equal and independent nations” which respect one another’s sovereignty.
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At the 8th ASEAN-US Summit held online last November (Photo: VNA) 
