Russia and Asean to sign declaration on terrorism

Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will sign a joint antiterrorism declaration, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who arrived in Jakarta on Wednesday, told journalists.

According to him, the document will become a major element of the legal basis of Russia-Asean relations.

The minister also said that Russia intended to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and that Russia was currently completing the necessary procedures to join.

Mr. Lavrov said that he would attend a series of international meetings, which are of great importance for the development of political processes in the Asia-Pacific Region, while in Jakarta. The meetings include Asean's post-ministerial conferences with its 10 dialogue partners (Russia included), a separate Asean-Russia meeting, as well as a regular session of the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) on security.

"We maintain constructive and mutually advantageous cooperation with the Asean 10," he said. "I hope to agree with my colleagues on further joint steps to expand our cooperation with the association in all directions."

Mr. Lavrov stressed that Russia attached great importance to its participation in the ARF. According to him, the focus of the forthcoming session's agenda would be the fight against new threats and challenges.

"Such topics as nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the situation on the Korean peninsula, Iraq and the Middle East will be discussed," he said.