President of Indonesia: ASEAN – Russia Summit to strengthen relations between countries

The ASEAN — Russia Commemorative Summit scheduled for 19-20 May in Sochi, will promote Russia's comprehensive partnership with the ASEAN countries, President of Indonesia Joko Widodo said in an interview with TASS News Agency.

"I am confident that the summit will make it possible to strengthen relations between ASEAN and Russia. The upcoming summit will see country leaders discuss how our cooperation should be strengthened in the future," he stressed.

He also said that Russia and Indonesia had maintained friendly relations for a long time, adding that Indonesia hoped for an increase in bilateral trade with Russia.

"We highly appreciate Russia's contribution to our country's economic development. Simultaneously we hope to increase the amount of trade with Russia. Of course, we also invite Russian investors to Indonesia, and we are keen to boost the flow of tourists coming from your country," he said.

The ASEAN — Russia Summit will be held in Sochi on 19-20 May under the slogan "Towards Strategic Partnership for the Sake of the Common Good." The event is expected to be crowned with the approval of a declaration that will form the basis of a new action plan for ASEAN — Russia cooperation in political, economic, cultural and security areas.