Putin invites countries for 'serious conversation' on security in Asia-Pacific

MOSCOW

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he invites "all interested countries" to have "a serious conversation" about security issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

Speaking at the 16th East Asia Summit via videoconferencing, Putin said the number of challenges and threats in the Asia-Pacific is growing, and "old and new conflict situations are becoming more acute and emerging."

He invited ASEAN leaders for "a serious conversation on this issue," adding: "Russia consistently supports the formation of a system of equal and indivisible security in the Asia-Pacific region, strengthening the atmosphere of constructive cooperation based on the principles of international law, including respect for sovereignty, equality, and consideration of each other's interests."

The 16th East Asia Summit chaired by Brunei took place virtually, focusing on the economic recovery of the Asia-Pacific region and efforts to overcome the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The East Asia Summit the Indo-Pacific's premier forum for strategic dialogue.

It has 18 members - the ten ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) along with Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the US.

ASEAN leads the forum, and the chair position rotates between ASEAN Member States annually.