PM to attend Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak (pix) will lead a Malaysian delegation to the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit that will be held in Sochi, Russia on May 19 and 20.
In a statement, Wisma Putra said the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit is held to commemorate 20 years of Asean-Russia dialogue relations.
The summit also serves as a platform for the leaders of the Asean Member States and Russia to chart the future direction of the partnership, it said.
During the Commemorative Summit, it said the leaders are expected to adopt the Sochi Declaration entitled 'Moving towards a Strategic Partnership for Mutual Benefit'.
"The leaders will also take note of the Comprehensive Plan of Action (2016-2020) consisting specific measures to strengthen relations over the next five years, and consider the report of the Asean-Russia Eminent Persons Group (AREPG), a report that contains proposals on the future direction of Asean-Russia relations," it said.
Wisma Putra said the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit would comprise three sessions, namely; the plenary session, which would deliberate global and regional issues as well as Asean-Russia cooperation; meeting between leaders with business representatives to discuss business opportunities between Asean and Russia; and a working luncheon which would focus on prospects for greater economic cooperation between Eurasia and Southeast Asia.
"The Asean-Russia Business Forum and the Asean-Russia Culture Ministers Meeting will take place at the sidelines of the Summit," it said.
During the visit, Najib is also scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss issues of mutual concern.
Najib, who is also the Finance Minister will be accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, officials from the Prime Minister Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. — Bernama