Theresa Lazaro

Southeast Asian nations are preparing for a high-level dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Kazan, Russia, on June 17-18. Philippine Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro discussed the summit and expanding Russia's 'strategic partnership' with ASEAN in a call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Despite most ASEAN members supporting UN resolutions against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the bloc maintains Russia as a dialogue partner, with varying perspectives on Russia and the West among its members.