Russia has shared that it continues to observe “increasing risks” related to what it considers militarisation activities in the Asia-Pacific region, the expansion of Indo-Pacific bloc mechanisms, and attempts by North America and Europe to strengthen NATO’s military potential in Asia.
Russian ambassador to Cambodia Anatoly Borovik addressed a press conference in Phnom Penh today, July 10. He claimed that the efforts of the US and the West are undermining the security and development architecture built around ASEAN, focusing all practical efforts on frameworks that serve Western countries.
“We reaffirm our recognition of ASEAN centrality in ensuring stability and inclusive cooperation in the region,” he said.
Borovik noted that Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov will participate in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in the Russia-ASEAN format on July 10-11 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Within the framework of the ASEAN Regional Forum, Russia plans to adopt a work programme for the coming year, addressing international information security, countering maritime threats, combating terrorism and tackling transnational crime.
“We pay special attention to preventing the use of information and communication technologies for criminal purposes,” he said.
Lavrov is also scheduled to meet with Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn.
Borovik highlighted the progress in Russia-Cambodia relations, marking the 69th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. He noted that in April, the 11th meeting of the Russia-Cambodia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation was held.
In May, a group of Cambodian businesspeople visited Russia to discuss prospects for expanding cooperation in agriculture, logistics, tourism, construction and pharmaceuticals.
“I am confident that these steps will help elevate our relations to a new qualitative level”, he said.
Other key areas of cooperation include military collaboration, highlighted by the docking of Russian naval vessels in Sihanoukville from April 28 to May 1, Russian language training for Cambodians and legal cooperation, marked by the recent visit of Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov to Cambodia.
Additionally, both countries are cooperating on security, combating cybercrime, transnational crime and political party-level collaboration.
