On 6 October 2015, the Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow, together with all Embassies of ASEAN Member States in Moscow co-hosted a reception commemorating the 48th Anniversary of ASEAN at Pushkin Museum. Attended guests include dignitaries, representatives from various diplomatic corps, high-ranking Russian government officials, eminent businessmen, and other distinguished guests.

 

            In the opening remarks, His Excellency Mr. Djauhari Oratmangun, Ambassador of Indonesia to the Russian Federation, as the incumbent chair of the ASEAN Moscow Committee, stressed that Russia is an important partner of ASEAN. ASAEN-Russia relations has grown significantly in terms of support for ASEAN centrality, regional trade, and people-to-people exchange, including the Third ASEAN-Russia Youth Summit to be held in Vladivostok on 8-11 October 2015. In addition, the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia relations as well as the announcement that 2015 will be “Year of ASEAN-Russia Culture” will further enhance the relations to another level.

 

            In response, His Excellency Mr. Alexander Ivanov, Ambassador at Large for ASEAN Affairs, reiterated the importance of the ASEAN-Russia Summit, as well as reaffirming Russia’s readiness to expand her cooperation with ASEAN and support for ASEAN Centrality. He also took the opportunity to congratulate ASEAN for its progress that would lead up to the establishment of ASEAN Community by the end of this year.