Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk arrived in Malaysia to lead the Russian delegation at the 20th East Asia Summit (EAS), engaging with ASEAN member states and dialogue partners including Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States.

During his visit, Overchuk is scheduled to meet with the prime ministers of Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia, alongside participating in summit events.

Overchuk noted that U.S. tariffs are a key concern for ASEAN economies, which have long benefited from globalization. He highlighted ongoing efforts to reformat supply chains, including attempts to establish routes bypassing China.

He also emphasized Southeast Asian countries’ efforts to forge new integration ties and free trade agreements, noting overlapping interests with Russia’s own integration initiatives through the Eurasian Economic Union and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Russia is promoting the idea of a Greater Eurasian Partnership.

On bilateral cooperation, Overchuk stressed the strong trade dialogue with Vietnam, including high-level visits earlier this year, and noted Cambodia’s growing interest in expanding economic ties with Russia.

ASEAN, founded in 1967, is an intergovernmental organization aimed at fostering economic, social, and cultural cooperation and regional stability. Russia has been an ASEAN dialogue partner since 1996 and joined the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in 2004.