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Russia and ASEAN create security architecture in Asia-Pacific region — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said that Russia and ASEAN fruitfully cooperated in the international arena

VIENTIANE, July 25 /TASS/. Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) coordinate their efforts closely to build a modern security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region based on the principles of equality, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at the Russian-ASEAN ministerial conference on Monday.

"I would like to note that we closely coordinate our work with ASEAN in building a modern security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region based on the principles of equality, openness and concern for the interests of all players," Lavrov said at the start of the conference.

The Russian foreign minister said that Russia and ASEAN fruitfully cooperated in the international arena. "We are committed to common values and rules; staunchly and consistently defend the role of the ASEAN ten in regional affairs," Lavrov went on to say.

"We intend to continue our active participation in the activities of ASEAN-centric associations designed to strengthen peace and stability, prosperity and sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific region," Lavrov stressed.

He recalled that the conference was taking place several months after the Russia-ASEAN summit in Sochi. "The agreements reached in Sochi gave a powerful impetus to development of multi-dimensional cooperation and the Russia-ASEAN interaction; opened the way for elevating our relations to the level of strategic partnership," the Russian foreign minister said.

"Today, I am planning to discuss with our friends concrete steps aimed at implementing the decisions made by the heads of state and government," Lavrov emphasized.