Lawrence Wong urges Russia to stay engaged in Asean‑led forums as Singapore prepares for 2027 chairmanship

SINGAPORE, June 19 — Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called for Russia’s continued engagement in Asean-led mechanisms as the republic prepares to assume the Asean Chairmanship in 2027.

Singapore’s Foreign Ministry said Wong, who participated in the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit (ARCS) in Kazan, Russia, welcomed Russia’s support for Asean Centrality and encouraged Moscow’s continued participation in Asean-led mechanisms, including the Asean Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit.

“Prime Minister Wong looked forward to working with Russia under Singapore’s Asean Chairmanship in 2027,” the ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Wong participated in the ARCS from June 17 to 18 at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the two leaders later met on the sidelines of the summit and exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments.

During the summit, Asean and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in areas of shared interest.

The foreign ministry said Wong also highlighted that Singapore and Asean had consistently called on parties involved in conflicts to exercise restraint, return to dialogue and pursue the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. — Bernama