MOSCOW, March 29. /TASS/. Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are in favor of intensifying efforts in the fight against common challenges and threats, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday following a meeting of the Russian and ASEAN senior officials in Vientiane at the level of deputy foreign ministers. The Russian delegation was led by Igor Morgulov.

The participants in the meeting discussed the implementation of decisions of the Russia-ASEAN summit held in Sochi on May 19-20, 2016, efforts aimed at taking cooperation to the level of strategic partnership. "Future practical steps to expand cooperation in trade, science and technology, transport, food and energy security have been outlined," the Russian Foreign Ministry said. "Agreements have been reached on preparing joint events timed for the Association’s 50th anniversary marked in 2017."

The diplomats exchanged views on international and regional issues reaffirming the proximity of stances assumed by Russia and ASEAN. "They pointed to the need to step up efforts to counter common threats and challenges, continue the dialogue on shaping the new security and cooperation architecture in the Asia-Pacific region and strengthen coordination on multilateral platforms in the region," the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed.

The next senior officials’ meeting will be held in Russia in 2018.