Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in Kazan that there is significant potential in tourism and people-to-people contacts between Russia and Brunei.
Putin noted that this potential is further strengthened by the two-week visa-free arrangement. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Russia-ASEAN summit.
Bilateral contacts continue at the summit in Kazan
Putin arrived in Kazan on Wednesday to attend the Russia-ASEAN summit. A series of bilateral meetings are also being held on the sidelines.
This year's meeting coincides with the 35th anniversary of Russia-ASEAN relations and is being held on June 17-19. The Russia-ASEAN Business Forum is also taking place on June 17 as part of the summit.
ASEAN's structure and agenda
ASEAN was founded in 1967. The organization includes Brunei, East Timor, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.
The contacts in Kazan are expected to deepen cooperation between Russia and ASEAN and exchange views on key issues on the international and regional agenda.