Lavrov to attend Russia-ASEAN meeting

BALI, July 22 (Itar-Tass) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
will discuss on Friday economic and energy cooperation at the Russia-ASEAN
ministerial meeting in Bali, Indonesia, and will attend annual ASEAN
events.
For the first time ever Russia will be present at a ministerial
meeting organized within the framework of East Asian summits as a
full-fledged member.
"We have traversed a great distance over the years: we have raised our
relationship to the highest level," the Russian foreign ministry said.
"Contacts between Russian agencies:and ASEAN structures have become
more intensive. A 'road map' for trade, economic and investment
cooperation is being drafted. A working program of energy cooperation for
2010-2015 is being implemented," the ministry said.
The Russian and ASEAN ministers will discuss preparations for the
annual high-level ASEAN events that will be held in Bali on November 17-19
this year.
"Russia considers the East Asian Summits to be a vital factor in
forming a comprehensive, balanced and open architecture in Asia and the
Pacific Rim which is commeasurable to contemporary security challenges,"
the ministry said.
"East Asian Summits can objectively play the role of a leading arena
for the strategic dialogue for leaders on regional security," it added.
"Involvement in the integration processes that are unfolding in the
region will help maximize the potential of the association by ASEAN member
states in their cooperation with China, the United States, India, Japan
and the Republic of Korea, as well as further develop Russia's economy and
promote social buildup in Siberia and the Far East," it concluded.