DILI, 17 June 2026 (TATOLI) — Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão arrived in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, on Wednesday to participate in the 35th ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit, a high-level gathering marking more than three decades of dialogue relations between ASEAN and Russia.
The summit, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, opened today and has drawn delegations from ASEAN member states and partner countries. More than 8,000 participants attended the event.
Gusmão was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas and Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel.
Upon arrival, the delegation was officially welcomed by Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, along with senior representatives of the Russian Federation.
During the visit, the Prime Minister and his delegation are scheduled to participate in a series of high-level engagements, including the ASEAN–Russia Business Forum.
Meanwhile, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn led the ASEAN Secretariat delegation at the summit.
President Putin is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings today with several ASEAN leaders, including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, before attending a ceremonial reception.
Prime Minister Gusmão is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit.
According to Russian News Agency, a Russia-ASEAN Business Forum also took place on June 17 at the Bashir Rameev IT Park, focusing on trade, investment, IT, AI, energy, transport, and food security, as well as cooperation within the EAEU-ASEAN framework.
The 35th ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit marks 35 years of dialogue relations between ASEAN and Russia and serves as an important platform for advancing cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity and regional development.
Timor-Leste’s participation in the summit reflects the country’s commitment to constructive engagement with ASEAN’s external partners and its continued support for regional peace, stability and shared prosperity.
The summit brings together regional leaders and senior officials to discuss opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation and addressing common regional and global challenges.
TATOLI
