ASEAN talks: Russia focuses on economic partnership

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is taking part in talks with Philippine leaders and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the Philippine's capital, Manila. Russia plans to discuss measures to tackle terrorism, weapons of mass destru

A document is expected to be signed within the framework of the ASEAN summit by the ASEAN regional forum group in support of the UN Security Council resolution 1504, which concerns the nuclear non-proliferation.

Political and economic issues as well as science and technology co-operation are also expected to be discussed.

Meanwhile, the situation surrounding the North Korean nuclear programme, human rights abuses in Myanmar and the abduction and killings of South Koreans in Afghanistan are grabbing the limelight.

On arrival, the Russian Foreign Minister has met with the President of the Philippines, Gloria Arroyo, to discuss various trade and geopolitical issues. The pair also look to strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and the Russian Far East Region and the region of Siberia. The basic principles of the Russia-Philippines relationship were defined in the agreement signed in 1997.

In the next few days Sergey Lavrov will hold various bilateral talks with foreign ministers from ASEAN member states.