On 28 April 2023, Ms. Usana Berananda, Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in the 19th ASEAN-Russia Senior Officials’ Meeting (ARSOM) in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Kung Phoak, the Secretary of State and Senior Official of Cambodia and H.E. Mr. Andrey Rudenko, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia. The meeting discussed the progress on the implementation of the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of action (2021-2025). ASEAN member states highlighted the importance of continuing practical cooperation for mutual benefit. Both sides also agreed to issue a joint statement to commemorate the 5th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership this year.

DG Usana led the discussion on ASEAN-Russia cooperation on disaster management and health, which was well supported by Russia. She highlighted Thailand’s chairmanship for the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) in 2022 and the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) with the Secretariat Office in Thailand. DG Usana also underlined Phuket’s strength in managing natural disasters and public health crisis during the Tsunami in 2004 and the COVID-19 Pandemic and sought support from other ASEAN member states and Russia for the Expo 2028 Phuket. The Russian side highlighted the promotion of cooperation with ASEAN on ICT, energy security, food security, and economic cooperation via Eurasian Economic Union.