Vientiane: The 6th Meeting of the Network of ASEAN-Russia Think Tanks (NARTT) took place in Vientiane from October 7-8, 2025, centered around the theme 'ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Peace and Development.'
According to Lao News Agency, the meeting was co-hosted by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) of the Lao PDR, serving as the NARTT Coordinator, alongside MGIMO University of Russia. The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of Mr. Maithong Thammavongsa, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and attended by IFA committee members, department heads, researchers, and experts from NARTT member countries.
The discussions primarily revolved around the challenges, lessons learned, and future directions for ASEAN-Russia cooperation across Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural sectors. In the Political-Security sphere, there was a strong emphasis on enhancing political dialogue between ASEAN and Russia, aligning with the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint 2025 to promote peace and regional stability.
Economically, the meeting delved into cooperation in the digital economy and ICT development. There was a focus on bolstering digital infrastructure in accordance with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025. Delegates also shared perspectives on energy cooperation, especially the shift towards sustainable and renewable energy sources.
In the Socio-Cultural domain, participants exchanged experiences and insights to foster connectivity within the framework of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025. The meeting's chair urged all NARTT member countries to enhance collaboration and coordination in generating ideas to strengthen partnerships and address emerging challenges. He praised the Network's role in developing policy recommendations for ASEAN and Russian governments to foster closer and more productive cooperation.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Vithanya Sayavong, Head of the Institute of Foreign Affairs and meeting facilitator, expressed her gratitude to NARTT member countries for their unwavering support and commitment during the Lao PDR's chairmanship. She encouraged members to sustain their robust cooperation amidst the ever-changing and unpredictable global geopolitical landscape.