Minister of the Russian Federation: “Russia plays a crucial and important role in shaping ASEAN today.”

Written by TASS

Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation at an ASEAN Foreign Minister Meeting 

Part 1 

On the solutions presented in the draft declaration 

- What are your opinions on strengthening the enforcement of agreements for regional conflict resolution? 

A special envoy is a person sent by one state to meet the representatives of one or more other states. An ASEAN Troika is a mechanism where the past, current, and incoming ASEAN Chairs collaborate to ensure continuity in handling specific issues, particularly in response to the crisis in Myanmar. 

I have suggested that the term of the annually rotating special envoy be extended from one year to three years. This ensures greater effectiveness of the special envoy and the formation of proper and concrete solutions during the extended terms. 

Furthermore, I encourage the purposes of the special envoy to be outlined explicitly by the ASEAN Troika before dispatching into any conflict, along with the empowerment of the special envoy with operational plans. This includes specific objectives such as benchmarks, timelines for dialogue, humanitarian access, and conflict de-escalation. This helps the ASEAN committee become stronger and more stable. 

- What are your thoughts on the solutions proposed to enhance the effectiveness of the consensus-based conflict resolution process? 

We have two solutions. First, the PDD (Protect Defence Diplomacy), which is a non-binding advisory unit for diplomatic and mediators purposes that consists of non-aligned diplomats who work to review compliance for conflicts, working with special envoys and a Troika that has clear purposes outlined. Its aim is to enhance the effectiveness of the consensus-based conflict resolution process. 

I, along with the Minister of Malaysia, advocated for the PDD and am grateful that the committee has decided to adopt this proposal. It shows that all Ministers in the committee agree that PDD allows all stakeholders in a conflict to be engaged, humanitarian aid channels are open, and to help ensure transparent reporting. 

Another part of my suggestion was the creation of the ASEAN Mediation Unit (AMU) with Brunei. It comprises non-aligned diplomats from member states to discuss topics regarding de-escalation and relationship-building. The AMU is limited to AMS only to decrease third-party dependence. Through this, ASEAN can fend off foreign influence in the region, working in favor of many AMS. 

It is good that ASEAN is committed to upholding its central role, particularly in the face of efforts by our Western colleagues to undermine it. 

- Do elaborate on the Bolstering System that is under “reducing ASEAN’s susceptibility to foreign manipulation in its internal conflict resolution process”. 

The framework of BS includes the enhancement of ASEAN’s defence and security cooperation through the strengthening of existing mechanisms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). Through various activities such as further joint exercises, intelligence and information sharing, capacity-building initiatives, and so on, we aim to bolster ASEAN’s collective preparedness, resilience, and strategic autonomy. This is to reduce reliance on external actors and safeguard the region from undue foreign influence in its security affairs. 

I am happy that Malaysia has initiated this proposal as it greatly reduced ASEAN’s need for third-party dependence, especially ones coming from major Western powers, a grieving Russia’s multipolar world. 

- What role did you play in developing ASEAN’s role as a third-party in global conflict resolution and peace processes? 

The committee and I have come to a consensus regarding some things. I have recommended further adoption across ASEAN of Malaysia’s “Prosper Thy Neighbour” Policy, which is to promote economic cooperation with its neighbours through initiatives. It fosters closer ties and mutual prosperity. Reinforcing this policy will ensure ASEAN’s economic resilience, regional integration, and collective self-reliance.

Part 2 

On proposals that have not been included in the draft declaration.

- What’s your opinion on the removal of the ASEAN Court of Justice (ACOJ)? 

I was previously concerned about ACOJ, as while there were some attempts to encourage impartiality, it might be hard to ensure impartiality, especially since there was no oversight over this organisation. Thus, there will not be a good way to prevent any biased judgments. For example, the biases by ICOJ when they ordered Russia to suspend special operations in Ukraine,2 which was uncalled for. Members who originally proposed the establishment of the ACOJ considered varying viewpoints upon my suggestion and decided to do away with it. The fact that it was removed speaks highly about Russia’s strong soft power even today. This shows Russia’s opinion and judgment are valid even here in ASEAN. 

- What’s your opinion on the Philippines’ and Singapore’s military intervention proposal? 

The Minister of the Philippines has instead collaborated with the Minister of Singapore to propose an ASEAN Peacekeeping Strike Force. While I see their efforts at bolstering the defence of ASEAN against threats, the way the Philippines and Singapore have been doing it is dangerous. Instead of solving conflicts through violent means of intervention, we should respect the sovereignty of each nation and allow them to solve their conflicts independently. Apart from them, all other Ministers in this committee have been opposing this idea.

Written by Wang Chenxin, Lin Yi, Soon Qi Shuan Charlotte