Russia considers ASEAN an important partner, Russian Deputy PrimeMinister Arkady Dvorkovich told ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minhduring their meeting in Jakarta on April 20.

Deputy PMDvorkovich, who also oversees Russia's economic affairs, called forcloser collaboration to develop practical cooperation projects betweenhis country and the group.

Dvorkovich informed Minh of theEurasia Economic Commission's desire to work with the ASEAN to increasetrade and investment flows between the two regions.

The currentgeopolitical environment in the Asia-Pacific region is conducive forforging international cooperation, he said. He emphassied the centralrole played by ASEAN.

Russia welcomes the establishment of the ASEAN Community by 2015, he stated.

Forhis part, Secretary General Minh recalled his visit to Russia lastyear and the efficient discussions he had with Russian officials onstrengthening the ASEAN-Russia partnership.

He also highlightedachievements since ASEAN and Russia forged their partnership and calledon both sides to work closely to enhance the connection.

TheASEAN chief briefed the guest on the ASEAN Community buildingprogramme progress and expressed his appreciation for Russia's supportto the ASEAN in realising this vision.

During the meeting, thetwo sides discussed their views on regional and international matters ofmutual concern, including the recent developments in the ShanghaiCooperation Organisation (SCO) as well as the forthcoming SCO Summit inJuly 2015 to be held in Ufa, Russia.

The Deputy PM also disclosedRussia's intention to hold an inaugural Eastern Forum in Vladivostok inJuly next year and extended an invitation for the Secretary-General.-VNA