Visit by PM Lawrence Wong to attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russia, 18 June 2026

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18 June 2026

Visit by PM Lawrence Wong to attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russia, 18 June 2026

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong participated in the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit (ARCS) in Kazan, Russia, from 17 to 18 June 2026, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Summit marked the 35^th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations and the 30^th anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership.

At the ARCS, ASEAN and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in areas of shared interest. In line with ASEAN's key interest to keep our region open and inclusive and engage with all our Dialogue Partners, Prime Minister Wong welcomed Russia's support for ASEAN Centrality and encouraged its continued participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit. Prime Minister Wong called for countries to uphold international law and the rules-based international order, especially in a more geopolitically volatile and turbulent world. He highlighted Singapore and ASEAN's consistent call for parties involved in conflicts to exercise restraint, return to dialogue, and to pursue the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. In this context, Prime Minister Wong emphasised that Singapore's position on the situation in Ukraine was not because of alignment with any side but because of Singapore's consistent commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.

The Summit adopted several outcome documents, including: (a) the Kazan Declaration, which reviews the progress of ASEAN-Russia relations over the past 35 years and charts the direction for future cooperation; (b) a Joint Statement on Cultural Cooperation, which calls for deeper people-to-people ties and enhanced cultural exchanges; and (c) the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action (2026-2030), which will guide practical cooperation for the next five years.

Prime Minister Wong met President Putin at Russia's request, as part of the programme for ARCS. The Leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional and international developments. Prime Minister Wong looked forward to working with Russia under Singapore's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027.

Prime Minister Wong also met the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov on the sidelines of the ARCS. Singapore and Tatarstan share longstanding relations, dating back to the visit by then-Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew to Tatarstan in 2007. Prime Minister Wong and Rais Minnikhanov discussed cooperation across several areas including cultural, educational, and people-to-people ties.

Prime Minister Wong will depart Kazan on 19 June 2026. He will meet President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in İstanbul, Türkiye on 19 June 2026, before returning to Singapore.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

19 JUNE 2026