Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 2 – Russian ambassador to Cambodia Anatoly Borovik gave a lecture at Paññāsāstra University on the topic “Russian foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region and Russian-Cambodian relations” on Thursday (Nov. 2).

The head of the Russian diplomatic mission emphasized that currently all countries of the world, including Russia, must adapt to new challenges and threats. “In contrast to the tactics of the collective West, which implies the fragmentation of the world community into a “blooming garden” and a “jungle” our country consistently advocates the formation of a stable multipolar world,” he said.

The ambassador underlined that Russia stands for compliance with standards and the principles of international law, instead of the fictitious rules, so obstinately pushed forward and selectively applied by a narrow group of states. He highlighted the importance to fight against neocolonial practices aimed at preserving the Western dominance. The crisis in Ukraine, which has been going on since 2014, was given as a clear example of their dire consequences.

Given the adoption in 2023 of the new Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation, and the 5th anniversary of Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership, Anatoly Borovik outlined Russia‘s approaches to advance relations with ASEAN Member States in a wide range of areas, particularly in energy, security, ICT, health and agriculture.

The lecture noted the destructive nature of closed minilateral alliances with the participation of extra-regional actors, triggering the militarization of the region.

The ambassador said, “we believe the importance of establishing in the Asia-Pacific Region an open, transparent and inclusive architecture of equal and indivisible security adequate to today's realities and aimed at ensuring dynamic development in the region, as well as effective response to the existing security challenges.”

When speaking about the Russian-Cambodian interactions, the ambassador indicated the long-standing friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation, especially in the field of education. He noted the importance of Russia’s large-scale support for Cambodia following its liberation from the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime. The Russian envoy shared his personal memories of his work in Phnom Penh in the 1980-1990s.
=FRESH NEWS