On 23 May 2022, H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, attended the 18th ASEAN-Russia Senior Officials’ Meeting (ARSOM) via videoconference. The Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. Eat Sophea, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and SOM leader of Cambodia, as coordinator for ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Relations, and the H.E. Mr. Igor Morgulov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia.

The 18th ARSOM highlighted cooperation between ASEAN and Russia as strategic partners including the implementation of the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of action. The Meeting also exchanged views on regional architecture and international issues, including Russia’s participation in regional meetings in the context of the situation in Ukraine.

The Permanent Secretary expressed his concern over the situation and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and its ramification on multilateral fora including ASEAN and APEC. He reiterated Thailand’s adherence to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law, and called for a ceasefire and continuation of political dialogues to find a peaceful settlement.

Ms. Usana Berananda, Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, led the discussion on ASEAN Connectivity and ASEAN integration, highlighting ways forward to further enhance regional connectivity including strengthening regional linkages to build resilience and enhance COVID-19 recovery efforts; intensifying efforts to implement the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of action 2021-2025 and to create synergies with other transregional cooperation frameworks.

The Meeting reflected Russia’s continued commitment in supporting ASEAN centrality and contributing to the regional security architecture through building strategic trust and promoting win-win cooperation in order to create a peaceful environment conducive to post-COVID economic recovery.