KAZAN, June 18. /TASS/. Russia and the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have expressed their readiness to cooperate in the field of maritime security, including efforts to counter piracy and threats to critical infrastructure, according to the declaration adopted following the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan.

According to the document, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to develop maritime cooperation and promote maritime security and stability, as well as freedom of navigation and overflight. Russia and ASEAN countries intend to counter such challenges as maritime piracy, armed robbery against ships, and threats to critical underwater infrastructure.

Russia, together with its Southeast Asian partners, intends to expand research activities in the areas of biodiversity and the sustainable use of marine resources.

The parties intend to strengthen security dialogue in order to more effectively address traditional and non-traditional security challenges, the declaration states.

The document also notes that Russia and ASEAN are prepared to promote friendly relations, mutual trust and respect, as well as a shared vision of a peaceful, stable and secure future for the broader region encompassing the Asia-Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and Eurasia.