Russia, ASEAN agree on approaches to solve ASEAN’s most pressing issues – Kremlin official

Written by TASS

The Minister of Russia highlights, “These proposals advocate for non-intervention, and give ASEAN a good framework for regional cooperation and conflict de-escalation.”

AMM, June 18. /TASS/. On January 23, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said at a roundtable with ASEAN leaders, “Russia is paying great attention to strengthening cooperation with Southeast Asian countries. We are determined to expand non-politicised equal cooperation within ASEAN associations.”

During the AMM Conference on June 18, the Minister of Russia sought to avoid overlooking possible loopholes through evaluation. This was crucial in moving the committee forward.

Removing the ASEAN Court of Justice (ACOJ) 

On June 17, some members of the AFMM proposed the ASEAN Court of Justice (ACOJ), which the Minister of Russia advised against, due to its possible biases and ineffectiveness in procedures. 

The ACOJ initiative has now been revoked after the Minister of Russia’s suggestion. 

The Minister of Russia acknowledges, “Members of the non-interventionist bloc who originally proposed the establishment of the ACOJ have considered varying viewpoints, and have now decided to do away with the ACOJ. I am thankful for this cooperation.” 

The Draft Declaration 

The Minister of Russia states at the ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meeting (AMM), “Noting that the Draft Declaration now does not include the ACOJ initiative, I am in support of this Draft Declaration proposed together with Malaysia, Brunei, and Cambodia. These proposals advocate for non-intervention and give ASEAN a good framework for regional cooperation and conflict de-escalation. That has been the main goal since the start.” 

As part of the Draft Declaration, the bloc supported the creation of a Proactive, Defence, Diplomacy (PDD) advisory unit. This is a non-binding unit that will be improved from the current Troika mechanism, thus facilitating transparent reporting and diplomatic discussions between ASEAN stakeholders. 

Meanwhile, the Minister of Brunei expands on a backdoor diplomacy initiative, known as the ASEAN Mediation Unit (AMU), “The AMU will be composed of non-aligned diplomats from ASEAN Member States, who will together improve and quicken ASEAN’s peacekeeping processes.” 

“To do so, there will be an implementation of the ASEAN Friendly Meeting (AFM) as a form of minilateral cooperation, where ministers gather to discuss topics regarding de-escalation and relationship-building. This eliminates the need for unnecessary full consensus of declarations, thus boosting ASEAN’s operational efficiency.” 

Kremlin diplomat and Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov elaborates on his views, “Multilateralism is a good solution in improving ASEAN’s productivity and maintaining a multipolar world order. Strategic relationships can thus be pursued without always requiring consensus – hence shortening an oftentimes lengthy process.” 

Under the AMU’s Code of Conduct, foreign countries are only allowed to join in as observers, instead of active contributors in the meeting. This is aligned with ASEAN’s overall goal to reduce its reliance on third parties, instead allowing for independent decision-making within its body.

The Minister of Russia notes that this will simultaneously empower ASEAN to solve issues independently, hence reducing foreign interference. 

Additionally, the bloc has also advocated for a Bolstering System (BS). In this framework, ASEAN will enhance its defence and security capabilities through the strengthening of existing mechanisms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). 

The Minister of Russia endorses this, stating, “This will boost ASEAN’s collective preparedness, resilience, and strategic autonomy, to reduce reliance on external actors and safeguard the region from undue foreign influence in its security.” 

‘Everyone is bound to benefit’ 

The Minister of the Philippines opposed nearly all clauses under the Draft Declaration by the other states. 

The Minister of Russia urges, “It is crucial that all voting members of the committee support this Draft Declaration. While I understand that some countries might be wary of voting for it, I urge them to reconsider their perspective. As Member States, everyone is bound to benefit from this.” 

“With lesser foreign manipulation and increased effectiveness of conflict resolution processes, ASEAN will strengthen as a regional, independent body. A vote for this declaration is a vote for ASEAN,” the Minister of Russia underscores. 

‘We must adhere to the ASEAN Way’ 

Opposing the Draft Declaration, the Minister of the Philippines has collaborated with the Minister of Singapore. They aim to establish an ASEAN Peacekeeping Strike Force (APSF). This is a regional security mechanism designed to uphold constitutional governance through the sending of military troops into affected countries. 

The Minister of Russia cautions, “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 as far as possible.” 

Reiterating his views, the Minister of Russia highlights his key takeaway: “Russia expresses its support for ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs. We must adhere to the ASEAN Way and its policy of non-interference.”

Written by Wang Chenxin, Lin Yi, Charlotte Soon