Kazan (Russia), June 18 (UNI)

ASEAN member states and Russia have agreed to deepen cooperation in energy security, liquefied natural gas (LNG), civilian nuclear power, and low-carbon technologies as both sides seek to enhance resilience against growing disruptions in global energy markets.

The agreement was formalised in a joint statement adopted at a summit in Kazan commemorating the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Russia pledged to elevate energy cooperation into a strategic pillar of their partnership.

The move comes amid increasing concerns over energy insecurity driven by geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions, and market volatility, which both sides said threaten economic resilience and sustainable development.

Under the agreement, ASEAN and Russia will expand trade, investment, and long-term commercial partnerships in oil, natural gas, LNG, and electricity. The two sides also committed to strengthening coordination on energy security, emergency preparedness, and supply stability.

The declaration outlines broader cooperation in energy-transition technologies, including renewable energy, hydrogen, energy efficiency, carbon-abatement solutions, and nuclear power.

A major feature of the agreement is the commitment to explore mutually agreed areas of civilian nuclear cooperation. These include emerging technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear safety and security management, regulatory frameworks, workforce development, and emergency preparedness.

The statement acknowledged Russia’s role as a major global energy supplier and reaffirmed support for ASEAN’s regional energy priorities under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030.

Both sides also endorsed efforts to strengthen regional energy connectivity through ASEAN-led initiatives, including the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline. They agreed to explore joint studies, investments, and cooperation in energy transportation, storage infrastructure, and cross-border energy networks.

“Secure, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy systems are critical to growth, resilience, and the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045,” the joint statement said.

The declaration further reaffirmed support for open, transparent, and inclusive energy markets while calling for stronger protection of critical energy infrastructure, secure supply chains, and uninterrupted maritime trade routes.

The partnership will be implemented through the Comprehensive Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Russian Federation Strategic Partnership 2026–2030 and the ASEAN-Russia Energy Work Plan 2026–2030.