Hun Manet joins Russia‑ASEAN business talks

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is in Kazan, Russia, leading a high‑level delegation at the Russia‑ASEAN Business Forum, a key side event of the commemorative summit marking 35 years of relations between Moscow and the regional bloc.

The forum, held at the Bashir Rameev IT Park, brings together leaders from all 11 ASEAN countries, including new member East Timor, alongside international organisations, major companies and media representatives. Organised by Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event aims to deepen trade and investment ties while exploring new areas of cooperation.

Hun Manet is joined by Tan Monivann, Vice President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, senior officials and private sector delegates. The Cambodian team is attending meetings designed to expand business relations and strengthen economic cooperation both bilaterally with Russia and within the wider ASEAN framework.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said leaders will exchange views on pressing international and regional issues, while also promoting cooperation in political, economic and humanitarian spheres. She noted that joint documents are expected to be signed, setting priorities for the next phase of Russia‑ASEAN dialogue.

Zakharova highlighted ASEAN’s economic weight, describing it as the world’s fifth‑largest economy with a combined GDP of $3.9 trillion and trade turnover of $3.8 trillion. She said systemic work is underway in areas including energy, agriculture, education, science, technology, digitalisation and tourism.

For Cambodia, participation in the forum underscores its ambition to attract new investment and diversify partnerships beyond its traditional allies. The summit also marks a return to in‑person diplomacy after the last Russia‑ASEAN meeting in 2021 was held online due to the pandemic.

-2026-06-17