Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand pays a working visit to the Russian Federation
and attends the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit

          On 19 – 20 May 2016, H.E. General Prayuth Chan-ocha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, together with other ASEAN Leaders, will attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit to mark the 20^th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Relations, in Sochi, the Russian Federation, at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.  

          The objective of this Summit is to explore ways to enhance cooperation in political-security, economic and socio-cultural matters, for the mutual benefit of ASEAN and Russia. It is also a reflection of the importance that ASEAN and Russia attach to this partnership which is seen as contributing to peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. ASEAN and the Russian Leaders are also expected to adopt the Sochi Declaration of the ASEAN-Russian Federation Commemorative Summit to Mark the 20^th Anniversary of ASEAN-Russian Federation Dialogue Relations, which is an important document that demonstrates ASEAN and Russia’s willingness to enhance cooperation with one another. It also reflects the importance to which Russia attaches to ASEAN after the formal establishment of the ASEAN Community in December last year.

           In addition, the Prime Minister and other ASEAN Leaders will meet with the Chair of the Eurasian Economic Commission and the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to discuss the potential of enhancing economic partnership amongst one another. Other important side events that will take place during the Summit include the Russia-ASEAN Business Forum and cultural events, which include the ASEAN-Russia Culture Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN-Russia Cultural Festival.