MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 24th May, 2019) Russia remains an important player with regard to ensuring security in the Asia-Pacific region, Brunei Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Dato Erywan Mohn Yusof said on Friday.
"We have also talked [with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov] extensively about regional and international issues, particularly the important role that Russia plays in the middle East and Latin America. We believe Russia continues to play an important role in the regional security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region," the diplomat said during a joint press conference after meeting with Lavrov.
He added that Russia and Brunei had signed several memorandums aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in education, defense, security, culture, trade and investment.
"We also discussed the importance of people to people exchanges. With the establishment of visa-free travel between Russia and Brunei we have seen a fivefold increase in the number of tourists that have come from Russia. Russia is a valuable partner in the ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations], and we welcome Russia's continuous support for ASEAN centrality in all our work and the ASEAN-led mechanisms," the diplomat said.
He also added that he was looking forward to welcoming Lavrov in Brunei.
The official's working visit to Russia, which started on Thursday, is set to last through Saturday.
