ASEAN leaders meet in Moscow to boost ties with Russia, despite Ukraine war

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has cast a shadow over the meeting, but ASEAN leaders are keen to strengthen economic and political ties.

Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are meeting in Moscow this week to discuss ways to boost ties with Russia, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The meeting is the first between ASEAN and Russia since the start of the war, and it is seen as a sign of the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region for both sides.

ASEAN and Russia have a long history of cooperation, and they have been working to strengthen their economic and political ties in recent years.

Russia is one of ASEAN's largest trading partners, and it is also a major supplier of energy to the region.

ASEAN countries are also interested in working with Russia on security issues, such as counter-terrorism and maritime security.

The war in Ukraine has complicated the relationship between ASEAN and Russia, but it has also given both sides an incentive to work together.

Russia is looking to ASEAN for support in the face of Western sanctions, while ASEAN countries are looking to Russia for help in dealing with the economic and security challenges posed by the war.

The meeting in Moscow is expected to produce a number of agreements on economic and political cooperation between ASEAN and Russia.

The two sides are also expected to discuss the war in Ukraine, and they are likely to issue a joint statement on the issue.