Russia and ASEAN should deepen cooperation amid US sanctions – Indonesian professor

Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should deepen cooperation and “move fast” in an increasingly multipolar world, Indonesian International Relations professor Teuku Rezasyah told RT, arguing that many of the group’s members are questioning Washington’s ability to support regional growth. 

The two sides have maintained ties for decades, so it’s “normal” for them to reassess their roles and expectations in the changing international system, Rezasyah said following the recent Russia-ASEAN Summit.

Rezasyah, an associate professor at President University in Indonesia, asserted that Southeast Asian countries are increasingly questioning Washington’s ability to support regional growth through trade, investment, and capacity building. As the world becomes more multipolar, ASEAN nations should strengthen cooperation with other major global actors, including Russia and China, he said.

Rezasyah condemned “continued US tariffs and sanctions,” as well as America’s actions against Iran and Venezuela, saying that even NATO members had declined to support Washington’s “global ambitions.”

He went on to praise the Russia-ASEAN Summit, which was held in the Russian city of Kazan last week, saying it was “very important and promising.” Rezasyah suggested that Russia’s experience in energy security, infrastructure, food sufficiency, public health and technological development could be useful for ASEAN states, particularly those facing energy shortages.

Russia and ASEAN adopted the Kazan Declaration and a Comprehensive Plan of Action for their strategic partnership for 2026–2030 at the summit, which marked 35 years since relations were established. Joint statements on energy and cultural cooperation were also signed.

In addition, Rezasyah called for closer cooperation between Russia’s and Southeast Asia’s universities and research institutions, saying this could support broader economic and technological ties. “It is time for ASEAN and Russia to think big, start small, and move fast,” he concluded.

ASEAN is an association of Southeast Asian nations that includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste. Russia has been a full dialogue partner since 1996.