Today we launch the inaugural seminar of the IMEMO-ISEAS series, with this timely meeting, which focuses on ASEAN-Russia relations. Many great changes are underway in the Asia-Pacific, such as the recent developments in North Korea and Taiwan-China, as well as evolving trends in the trilateral U.S.-Japan-China relations. Russia is both participant, as in the Six-Party Talks on North Korea, as well as a keen observer of regional trends. ASEAN itself is bound to be affected by these regional developments. It is therefore useful and timely for both sides to exchange views and perceptions on topics of mutual interests.

Beyond these considerations, Russia is an ASEAN dialogue partner and will also take part in the ASEAN Summit to be held in 2005. This seminar, as well as the next leg to be held in Moscow in 2006 and hosted by IMEMO, provides an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and inputs into the ASEAN Summit process. As bilateral relations are an integral part of the dialogue process, it is also relevant to discuss Russia's relations with key ASEAN countries, such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Papers on these aspects will be presented at this seminar.

On bilateral relations, there is renewed interest on the part of Singapore companies in the Russian market. Both Russia and Singapore are key players in the Asia-Pacific energy markets, Russia as a growing supplier of oil and gas to the North Pacific markets, and Singapore as a key oil refiner, trader and market price setter. Energy issues might form a suitable area of discussions in future seminars in this series.

There have been a growing number of exchange visits of trade and business delegations as well as parliamentary delegations between both sides. Such contacts help to strengthen relations and help to increase knowledge about business opportunities in Russia, which is a fast growing economy with solid growth prospects. Academic connections will enhance mutual understanding and also help to further strengthen growing ties and expand networking contacts.