MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn will hold talks in Moscow on October 13, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing, commenting on the secretary-general’s upcoming visit to Russia.

"During the talks between the Russian foreign minister and the ASEAN secretary-general scheduled for October 13, they are expected to discuss the implementation of the tasks set by the leaders of Russia and the organization at the anniversary summit in Kazan held on June 17-18 this year, as well as prospects for advancing our strategic dialogue, focusing on closer coordination at international and regional platforms, ensuring stability, food and energy security, the development of the Northern Sea Route, expanding cooperation in addressing new challenges and threats, broadening trade, economic and technological cooperation, and developing social, cultural and humanitarian ties, including, of course, youth contacts," the diplomat said.

The ASEAN secretary-general’s visit, which will run from October 12 to 15, will include meetings and talks with officials from Russia’s Emergencies Ministry, Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Agriculture Ministry, Digital Development Ministry and Energy Ministry, as well as an address at a thematic session of Russian Energy Week. "These events are expected to give impetus to practical cooperation with ASEAN in various sectors," Zakharova added. "The Association’s secretary-general plans to hold substantive talks with representatives of Russian business under the auspices of the Russia-ASEAN Business Council and with the expert community, including at a conference on Russia and ASEAN in the Asia-Pacific region."

The visit will also include a meeting between the ASEAN secretary-general and the chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission on prospects for implementing the cooperation program for 2026-2030 and establishing cross-platform cooperation in the region.