Mr. Chairman,
Dear Colleagues,

The Russian Federation is participating for the first time in this representative Conference. I should like to stress from the outset that we proceed from the following in our dialogue with ASEAN: this dynamically developing regional Association becomes one of the most important poles of our multipolar world. This is the source of the special significance of the expanding interaction and cooperation of the leading countries of the world with ASEAN. We understand that very well. I should like to add that Russia respects the traditions established within the framework of this forum and is determined to make its constructive contribution in its work.

We consider it fitting and not accidental that our country is joining in the activities of the Post-ministerial Conference at this particular stage. The recent presidential elections in Russia have convincingly demonstrated that the move toward reforming all aspects of life of the Russian society is irreversible, the rolling-back to the past is not possible. By the same token, it was confirmed that our foreign policy remains the same and is aimed at establishing a world order based on the principles of general security, respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states, compliance with international obligations and promotion of mutually beneficial economic cooperation.

This fully applies to our policy in the Asian and Pacific region as well. Here one can observe an increasingly evident manifestation of the general trend toward establishing a multipolar system instead of the former bipolar model belonging to the times of the Cold War. There is also a growing interest in harmonizing the interstate ties based on real equality and respect for each other's concerns, including the resolution of global and regional problems. Russia intends to actively facilitate this process.

The Asian Pacific direction for Russia has clear objectives: the first is development of mutually beneficial relations and, were possible, relations of partnership with all the countries of the region. The second is the promotion of sound security on the Far-Eastern borders of our State. The third is the creation of favorable conditions for economic transformations in Russia, particularly for the acceleration of economic development of the Far East.

We proceed from the understanding that stability in the region is closely tied up with the problem of the development of economic relations between countries. As to Russia, I should like to specially draw your attention to the fact that in recent times we purposefully take practical steps to promote ties between Siberia and our Far East with the countries of the Asia Pacific region. This was clearly manifested in the recently adopted Special Federal Program for economic and social development of Siberia and the Far East in 1995-2005. It provides for the promotion of foreign investments in priority and profitable sectors, including oil extraction, ore-deposit development (in particular, the deposits of diamonds, gold, tin, etc.), fisheries, transportation, forestry, recreation, etc. Accordingly, it is planned to allocate federal and regional funds for the development of the infrastructure and to accord to investors tax, customs, export and other benefits, as well as real guarantees of security of their capitals. The establishment of joint ventures and special economic zones will also be encouraged, including through the improvement of the legislative basis. I shall not conceal from you the fact that this is a new approach. Only comparatively recently we directed Russian Far East to have external relations via Moscow. Today the ideology of such relations is absolutely different.

ASEAN is a priority area of the Russian Federation policy in the ASPAR region. Proceeding from these considerations, Moscow welcomes the process of unification -within the Association of all South-East Asian States. We are convinced that the establishment of the "Ten" would turn a new page in the life of its nations. Obviously, this will work for the strengthening of security and stability in Asia and the Pacific and will have a positive impact on the situation in the world at large.

Already to-day, the ASEAN sends a stabilizing ray to the international relations of the region. I mean the appeals for the peaceful solution of problems of the South China Sea on the basis of the unconditional recognition of one China and for the political settlement of the conflict situation on the Korean peninsula. We value peace efforts of the ASEAN Member States and we reiterate our readiness to accede in a due form to the 1976 Bali Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation in South-East Asia.

It appeals to us especially that the countries of the subregion would like to see the world nuclear-free. In our view it is organically related to the establishing of a nuclear-free zone in South-East Asia; we fully support this idea. We intend to continue cooperation in refining the text of the Protocol to the Treaty singed last year so that this document record obligations of the nuclear powers, which would take into account the interests of each and everyone.

In connection with our participation in the work of the Post-Ministerial Conference we introduce two proposals:

(i) Russia is prepared to join the Eurasian railway construction project. As is known, we already have of a mode rn railway network with access to Europe and Asia, as well as economic and technological capabilities to assist countries participating in the project.

(ii) With due regard for the significance that the ASEAN region acquires Russia proposes to establish here a Space Monitoring and Communication Center. It could provide to the States of the region data of geological surveys and information on natural disasters and serve for telecommunication purposes and training of national specialists in the areas related to the peaceful uses of outer space. The Center should cooperate with the "space" countries, including the arrangement of launches by South-East Asian countries of their own satellites. Let me underscore that we in no way claim the monopoly in the realization of this project and count on the interaction with the other ASEAN dialogue partners.

Thank you for your attention.