"There are good prospects of contacts between BRICS and ASEAN. We welcome the interest of an increasing number of ASEAN member states, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand in joining the BRICS family," Rudenko said at the 15th Asian Conference of the Valdai International Discussion Club. "Relations with ASEAN is Russia’s long-standing priority. And they were reconfirmed in the updated foreign policy concept of the Russian Federation."
Despite growing external pressure, ASEAN does not engage in "bloc confrontation" and plays a key role in building an inclusive, balanced and transparent region, the diplomat added.
The theme of this year's Valdai in Kuala Lumpur is "Malaysia, Russia and ASEAN: Navigating Emerging Multipolarity."
On December 9-10, conference participants will discuss the joint future of Russia and ASEAN countries in a multipolar world, Southeast Asia's turn to BRICS, and the common desire for de-dollarisation.