Lavrov arrives in Manila for ASEAN-related ministerial meetings

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has arrived in Manila to participate in a series of ministerial meetings organised by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The Russian government aircraft carrying Lavrov landed at Manila Airport, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

From July 21 to 23, Lavrov is scheduled to take part in meetings in the Russia-ASEAN, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) formats.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the Russian delegation, led by Lavrov, would present Moscow’s assessment of developments in the Asia-Pacific region. She said Russia would focus on what it described as the region’s growing conflict potential amid Western policies aimed at militarising the Asia-Pacific, the deployment of NATO military capabilities in the region and the expansion of bloc-based mechanisms.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said Lavrov was also expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the ministerial gatherings.

He said the Russian foreign minister would meet counterparts from ASEAN member states as well as officials from other regions.

By Sabina Mammadli