Jakarta, Dec. 13 -- Some 20 years ago, on 13 December 2005, the first ASEAN-Russia Summit took place in Kuala Lumpur. That historic meeting mapped the outlines for the future cooperation of ASEAN and Russia.

Our leaders declared their commitment to further deepening mutual relations based on shared principles. The ASEAN-Russia Joint Declaration on Progressive and Comprehensive Partnership that was adopted on that day defined the main goals and areas of our joint work for the years ahead.

The outcomes also included the Comprehensive Programme of Action for Developing Cooperation between ASEAN and Russia for 2005-2015 and the Joint Agreement on Cooperation in the Spheres of Economy and Development.

At the same time, President Vladimir Pu...