Russia-Singapore relations have traditionally been characterised by mutual respect and pragmatism, and we maintain constructive dialogue on issues of shared interest.

On 18 June in Kazan, President of Russia Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore Lawrence Wong, who was in Russia from 17 to 19 June 2026 to participate in the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit at the invitation of the Russian leader.

During the bilateral meeting, President Putin and Prime Minister Wong had an in-depth exchange of views on the current state of and future prospects for bilateral relations. Addressing his guest, Vladimir Putin said:

“I would like to thank you once again for agreeing to join us here in Kazan for the summit marking the 35th anniversary of Russia-ASEAN relations – which I believe has been a highly successful and productive gathering. We attach great importance to strengthening our ties with ASEAN member states.

I have fond memories of my visit to Singapore, which, besides bilateral agenda, included my participation in the third Russia-ASEAN Summit, and it was back then that we proclaimed the strategic partnership of Russia and ASEAN. I would like to thank you for the fact that Singapore became the place and the country where this event took place. May I also wish you every success with your forthcoming ASEAN Chairmanship next year.

Our countries cooperate not only within this framework but also across other international platforms, not least the United Nations. RussiaSingapore relations have traditionally been characterised by mutual respect and pragmatism, and we maintain constructive dialogue on issues of shared interest. Contacts are also maintained between our foreign ministries. We are coordinating our approaches to common challenges and threats, particularly in the field of international information security. This is an area where we have much to offer one another. As I have noted, your country is actively engaged on this front and has shown genuine interest, recognising it as one of the most serious threats facing the modern world.

Considerable potential remains untapped in the economic sphere – in part due to the restrictions currently in place. Nevertheless, channels for business dialogue remain open. The most recent session of the Russia–Singapore Business Dialogue was held in Singapore this past April. We welcome the participation of Singapore’s delegation in the 29th St Petersburg International Economic Forum, and we look forward to seeing your representatives at other multilateral events hosted by Russia – including, incidentally, the Eastern Economic Forum, which we will be holding shortly in Vladivostok.

We also attach great significance to expanding people-to-people ties and deepening cooperation in education and culture.”

Source: The Russian Presidential Executive Office.

ASEAN and Russia reaffirm strategic partnership and adopt multi-sector cooperation roadmap for 2026–2030.

Building on the outcomes of the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, the adopted documents outline a renewed and expanded framework for cooperation between ASEAN Member States and the Russian Federation over the coming years.

The Kazan Declaration reaffirmed ASEAN and Russia’s commitment to strengthen their strategic partnership based on the UN Charter, international law, and ASEAN Centrality. It reiterated support for ASEAN-led regional mechanisms as the primary platforms for dialogue and cooperation.

The declaration reviewed progress since the establishment of relations in 1991 and outlined priority areas for future cooperation, including political-security engagement, economic development, energy, connectivity, education, and culture. It highlighted maritime cooperation, counter-terrorism, and transnational crime, as well as sustainable development and people-to-people exchanges.

Energy was identified as a strategic area of cooperation. Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration to ensure secure, diversified, and reliable energy supplies, including oil, gas, LNG, renewable energy, and nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

The statement also supported cooperation in energy transition technologies and infrastructure development, including ASEAN initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline. It further emphasised resilience, investment, and capacity building in the energy sector.

The cultural statement reaffirmed the role of culture in strengthening mutual understanding between societies. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and creative industries, including film, music, design, and digital media.

It also encouraged greater youth engagement, academic exchange, and cultural tourism through exhibitions, festivals, training programmes, and potential future ASEAN– Russia cultural initiatives.

Source: The ASEAN Secretariat

“ASEAN-Russia strategic partnership remains a stabilising factor in the Asia-Pacific amidst geopolitical
turbulence” – President Putin

Leaders and representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Russian Federation convened for the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan on 17-18 June 2026 to mark the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations.

The plenary session of the summit was co-chaired by President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines, the 2026 ASEAN Chair. Leaders and representatives from 11 ASEAN member states and their respective delegations attended the meeting, alongside ASEAN SecretaryGeneral Dr. Kao Kim Hourn.

The agenda for the meetings in Kazan included a review of the strategic partnership between Russia and ASEAN, as well as new avenues for collaboration on the political, economic and humanitarian tracks, and an exchange of views on the latest international and regional developments.

Following the summit, a package of documents was approved, including the Kazan Declaration 2026 “ASEAN-Russian Federation: Unity in Diversity – 35 Years Together”, the Comprehensive Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Russian Federation Strategic Partnership (2026-2030), the Joint Statement on Cultural Cooperation, and the Joint Statement on Energy Cooperation.

During his opening remarks President Putin stressed that ASEAN-Russia strategic partnership serves as an essential stabilising factor in the AsiaPacific amidst geopolitical turbulence, contributing to the formation of a balanced security architecture and equitable mutually beneficial cooperation.

Source: The ASEAN Secretariat

A captivating exhibition at the Goh Loo Club showcased the beauty of traditional Russian attire, honouring cultural heritage and International Women’s Day.

From 7 to 9 March 2025, the Goh Loo Club in Singapore transformed into a vibrant celebration of Russian heritage, where visitors immersed themselves in the elegance of traditional Russian attire. Organised by the Russian House in Singapore, with the support of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Singapore, the exhibition was a key highlight of the International Women’s Day celebrations. The event also received support from the Executive Chairman of Impact of Asia, Mr Daryl Tan, and Honorary Chairman of Impact of Asia, Mr. Tan Dib Jin.

The event commenced with an opening ceremony featuring a keynote address by H.E. Nikolay Kudashev, Ambassador of Russia to Singapore. He underscored the cultural significance of the exhibition, stating, “The appearance and traditional dress of a Russian woman reflect the diverse cultural heritage of our homeland — a land where people of different ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds have long lived side by side. It is this unique ability to passionately synthesise diverse influences and forge a shared, unifying agenda that defines the Russian spirit, worldview, way of life, and culture.”

The exhibition featured an array of cultural highlights. Visitors admired captivating photography art prints by Yulia Durova showcasing women in traditional Russian attire. Fashion enthusiasts were drawn to the exquisite sarafans and accessories designed by Anastasiia Novikova and Daria Rotast. Folk music performances by the Toloka Ensemble added to the atmosphere, bringing Russian traditions to life. Additionally, guests enjoyed authentic Russian souvenirs and sweets from Anna’s Gourmet Shop, which proved to be a crowd favourite.

A series of engaging lectures deepened visitors’ appreciation of Russian heritage. On 8 March, designer Anastasiia Novikova explored the history of traditional Russian costumes, followed by an interactive kokoshnik try-on session, where guests marvelled at the elaborate craftsmanship and weight of these iconic headpieces. On 9 March, Daria Rotast delivered an insightful talk on Russian traditions and national attire and captivated the audience with a performance of classical Russian romance ballads.

The Sarafan Designs exhibition successfully celebrated the richness of Russian culture, offering Singaporeans and international visitors an immersive experience into centuries-old traditions, artistry, and craftsmanship.

Source: Embassy of the Russian Federation, Singapore

Upcoming Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) focuses on greater Russian and Asia-Pacific links. This year India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the Chief Guest. The EEF has become the biggest international platform for discussing the strategy for developing political, economic and cultural ties between Russia and Asia Pacific.

THE port city of Vladivostok is gearing up for the fifth edition of the EFF which will be held between 4 to 6 September 2019 (www.forumvostok.ru). Government, institutions, private sector and students are all working together to make the annual Forum a great success.

The EEF started in 2015 and was initiated by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. It was intended to support the economic development of Russia’s Far East region and expand international cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific while attracting investments into the Far East region.

Over the last few years, the EEF has increased in its importance and reach. “This year the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, will be attending the Forum as the Chief Guest at the invitation of the President and we are expecting over 7,000 guests to attend the forum,” informed Mr A. Klimov, Deputy Secretary of the General Council of the United Russia Party. A high level delegation from Singapore will attend headed by Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam who will also be going to the Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission on 6th Sept 2019.

Round Table Discussion
At a Round Table discussion organised in July this year, members of the international press met: Mr V. Shcherbina (First Deputy Governor of the Primorsky Territory), Mr A. Rolik (Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Primorsky Territory), Mr G. Kuranov (Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Far Eastern Federal District), Mr A Klimov, Mr S.Tyrtsev (First Deputy Minister for the development of the Russian Far East), S. Sopchuk (Head of the Far Eastern Interregional Coordination Council of the United Russia Party) and representatives of the district leadership; they discussed the international cooperation and development of the Far Eastern Federal District and the Arctic; they also briefed the visiting press on the upcoming Forum.

The Venue – Vladivostok
The city of Vladivostok is the administrative centre of the Far Eastern Federal District and Primorsky Krai, Russia. Located around the Golden Horn Bay, it is just next to Russia’s neighbours China and North Korea. Branded as the Gateway to Europe, its proximity to Asia makes it a great draw for Asian tourists. “Asian culture influences us a lot at Vladivostok; we are very far from Moscow, and we are developing very fast; our infrastructure and educational institutions such as the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) are creating more options for students from Vladivostok and those in the countries around,” briefed the FEFU student liaison Andrey Bryansky.

Mr Igor E. Khrushchev, the Director at the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation started his career as a seaman and has been a witness to the changing face and opportunities at the Russian Far East. He is a man in a hurry to catch up on lost time. “Asia is our logical partner as we are in close proximity to each other and there are many unexplored areas of collaboration which if tapped, can enhance prosperity for the people in Asia and Russia”.

Reminiscent of Vladivostok’s historic past, the city is an important military port as the headquarters of the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet. At the same time, Vladivostok also offers several tourist attractions that attract visitors from many neighbouring countries such as China, Japan and Korea. They are seen in droves clicking selfies to bring home memories. There are also plentiful concerts and performances more so in the summer months for both the young and old.

Main Industries
Not surprisingly the main industries here are fishing and shipping. The main imports are food products, clothing, fashion accessories, footwear, medicines, automobiles, household items and ships. Vladivostok exports fish, timber, metals and ships – its Zvevda Shipbuilding Complex boasts of state-of-the-art shipbuilding facilities.

It is also the end terminus point of the Trans-Siberian Railway network which is almost 9,300 km long to Moscow. A report in July 2019 stated Russian Railways’ plan to raise the annual transport capacity of the Trans-Siberian Railway by 50% to 180 million tons. It has already invested more than US$745 million in 2018 working to lay double tracks along the railway and to automate the transport system. The plan is to lay tracks directly linked to ports in the Far East.

Vladivostok is currently ranked fourth in terms of railway’s cargo turnover and was the first to be awarded the free port status (enjoying light customs and taxes regimes) of the Far East.  The Free Port regime is now active in five regions of the Russian Far East. There is tremendous scope for development of hotels and logistics, with the development of tourism and obvious openness. Russia’s Far East is a far cry from its reputation as an “enigma,” where the people are warm and friendly, fruits fresh and juicy, opportunity plenty and untapped. It is certainly worth a trip to study and develop links.

HE Andrey Tatarinov, Ambassador of Russia to Singapore, speaking to Editor-in-Chief Nomita Dhar reflects on the close relationship the two countries have enjoyed over these past 50 years, for which the Golden Jubilee celebrations are in full swing

Good afternoon Your Excellency and warmest greetings to you on the New Year. This is a very special year for Russia-Singapore ties as we celebrate 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. Please share your views on this momentous occasion.
Thank you for your warm wishes on the New Year and on our Golden Jubilee Year. The year 2018 is indeed very special as we celebrate the anniversary of our 50 years together. Actually the relations between Russia and Singapore go much further back in time because Singapore was a very important trade and transit post between Europe and the Far East in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Many commercial and naval ships used to travel from Russia to the Far East.

After Singapore declared its independence we established trade and commercial relations, formally on April 2, 1966. It was the first trade agreement signed by the Soviet Union and Singapore. The two sides agreed to exchange trade representatives then, but it was not till 1^st June 1968 that the two countries established formal diplomatic ties and the Embassy of the Soviet Union was opened here on Nassim Road, a very prestigious part of town and still an object of envy of my colleagues from the other missions. I want to emphasise that from the very beginning we enjoyed and maintained close and very good relations. The late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew placed great importance to trade-economic relations between us and considered my country as an important actor on the international stage. It is well known that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong learned Russian for some time and still speaks the language to a certain extent.

These 50 years of our history has been marked by a good and friendly atmosphere in our relationship, which is very important. Even during complicated international circumstances our two countries always continued to maintain a dialogue and pushed forward our mutually beneficial ties in various fields, be it in trade or science or culture or whatsoever – not to mention of course the political dialogue on the high level, on the professional level – where the two countries always openly discussed issues, even when they agreed to disagree.

The last couple of years have been marked with some events of great significance. Most important of course was the Golden Jubilee of Singapore’s Independence which was attended by a high level Russian delegation led by the Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council – Upper House of Parliament. Another significant event was the Russia-ASEAN Summit held in Sochi in 2016 and the working visit of PM Lee Hsien Loong to my country – the first one in 25 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Previously Mr Lee’s father, the former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, had visited the Soviet Union in 1990. The meetings between the Singapore Prime Minster and our President and Prime Minister were very fruitful. Many arrangements were reached between the leaders of our two countries, which added more maturity to our relations and richness in substance to all our fields of interest. My primary task as ambassador is to implement these arrangements and bring new momentum to Russia-Singapore relations. Against the backdrop of our Golden Jubilee we are celebrating this year I must say that all my meetings with the Prime Minister or the officials of the Singapore government show that Singapore is willing to cultivate relations between our two countries to the proper level of the 21^st century.

This spirit has been once again reconfirmed in the congratulatory messages of Singapore President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed to Vladimir Putin on the occasion of his reelection as the President of the Russian Federation. We strongly reciprocate Singapore intention to advance bilateral cooperation on various fronts and appreciate the invitation sent to President Putin to pay a state visit to Singapore.

Have you planned special events to celebrate the Golden Jubilee year?
We are going to have several events. Some have been planned and some are still a work in progress. We are planning to issue a postage stamp to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Year. We will have a photo exhibition on the history of Russia-Singapore relations and host a big reception to commemorate the anniversary.

I am happy that our Golden Jubilee coincides with Singapore’s Chairmanship in ASEAN. Throughout the year a large number of the Russian delegations on various levels will visit Singapore to attend the meetings of the key regional mechanisms including East Asia Summits, ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meetings with dialogue partners. We cannot waste this unique opportunity to highlight the golden anniversary of diplomatic relations by organizing sidelines’ bilateral events and meetings with the Singapore hosts.

Russian culture is very fascinating for many people in Asia, and there have been cultural collaborations for many years. Another very important aspect of this relationship is that you are starting a Russian Cultural Centre here in Singapore. Please tell us about it.
Well right now this is in its initial stage. There has been an agreement between the Governments of our two countries to set it up and the contract for the land lease for the centre was signed last year. The design of the project is being discussed by the two sides and I hope later this year we will address the ground breaking ceremony. This is a very important project. A part of the complex will feature a traditional Russian Orthodox Church, so that our parish here in Singapore will have an attractive place to come and worship. It will not only be for Russians, there are other communities living here in Singapore, from Eastern European countries who would also like to attend the services. The complex will also have a space where the Russian language will be taught, as there is a growing demand for learning Russian in Singapore. There will also be space for organizing exhibitions and cultural events.

How large is the Russian community in Singapore?
It is growing and currently we have about 5,000 people. They are engaged in business and science research, in services, some have started their own businesses here, there are people working for Russian companies and some for international companies with offices here. There are musicians who play with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and also some smaller ones, some also teach music in the local institutions.

How do you engage with the Russian community in Singapore?
We engage with them through our consular services for things related to passports, legal documentation. People also come to the embassy when they need to. Once a year, before Christmas I organize a big New Year-Christmas event for the community. We have a big Christmas tree set up in the premises and invite people for the reception and engage with them quite informally.

We also have a Russian Club in Singapore which unites some part of the community here and they invite us for their events, concerts, dance performances. There are some good musicians there as well. There are also good places here for cultural education of children.

Russia-Singapore ties in terms of investment. How is this going right now? What is your message to future investors?
Several Singapore companies have been working in Russia for many years. They have invested in the food industry, in agriculture; some are there in real estate. Amongst the most active investors is Olam International, which has been working in the European part of Russia for a very long time. It has invested in agriculture and dairy farming. Food Empire has a plant near Moscow producing coffee mixes, tea and other food products. Some companies have taken part in master planning Special Economic Zones in Russia.

My government is working hard to improve the business and investment environment in Russia and much has been done in the Russian Far East, where there are a lot of opportunities for business to invest in. Of course, we want Singapore companies to invest in the Russian Far East which is close to Singapore. We want Singapore businesses to actively attend the Eastern Economic Forum which is held annually in the beginning of September in Vladivostok. Today Singapore business in Russia is lagging behind Japan, South Korea, China, but given the vast opportunities in various fields – ship-building, agriculture, urban environment, waste management and healthcare, there are enormous opportunities to tap areas in which Singapore has the expertise. I hope that in the next 50 years we will see a sizeable presence of Singapore in terms of investment in Far East Russia.

The Russia-Singapore Business Forum used to be a very key event for the two countries, but over the past few years attendance has dropped. Do you see this changing?
Yes, I think it will regain momentum. Trade and economic relations between Russia and Singapore are being pushed regularly and we have annual meetings of our High Level Inter-Governmental Commission headed by the Deputy Prime Minister from Singapore and the First Deputy Prime Minister from the Russian side. Given the growing interest from both sides to enhance cooperation I think this year the number of attendees at the Forum will be much bigger than in recent years.

What do your figures say on the tourism front?
There are many Russians coming to Singapore now. Last year numbers grew from 70,000 to 83,000 and I am hoping in the coming years it will go beyond 100,000 visitors.

And what about Singaporeans visiting Russia?
The numbers are growing too though they are lower, but the interest in visiting Russia is becoming stronger and I think the numbers will start growing faster.

Russian vodka is very famous. What are some of the other Russian products you would like to see on Singaporean tables?
We have our mineral water which is excellent, then there’s the traditional beverage called kvas, which is made from rye bread. We also produce very good chocolate, better quality and less expensive than what you buy here in Singapore. And, of course, Russian caviar. In fact in Singapore we have the Russian Caviar House, which is doing good business.

The changing geopolitical situation in Asia – what is Russia’s equation within it and what role Russia plays in it?Russia is an Asia-Pacific country. Two thirds of its territory lies in Asia resulting in the growing interest and growing participation of Russia in regional affairs. Until recent times, more attention was given to our direct neighbours: China, Japan and Korea. But in 1996 we established dialogue partnership with ASEAN, and our relations with ASEAN nations have been growing steadily. Last year we established our representative office to ASEAN in Jakarta and appointed a Russian ambassador to ASEAN. We also have the Russia-ASEAN Financial Fund which is aimed at promoting our relations in various fields. Some projects have already been implemented such as tourist guides being trained to serve Russian tourists in ASEAN. We will continue to fill the fund and discuss projects with ASEAN countries.

At the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Sochi both sides reached an arrangement to move towards strategic partnership. I am confident that Singapore as the new ASEAN Chair will play a positive role in this regard.

EASTER is round the corner and as we ready ourselves for a break this coming long weekend, Mrs Natalia Tatarinova, wife of Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Singapore, HE Andrey Tatarinov will have a few more additions to her Easter eggs and postcards collection. She shared how, “In Russia we don’t only hard boil eggs and decorate them in order to exchange with each other on Easter day but we also buy a new decorative egg every year. Most of them are wooden and then hand painted. Some artists take a wooden egg and then weave it over with multi-coloured beads. There are porcelain eggs too!” She also shares some photos of her collection here. Singaporeans were able to get some insights on Easter egg collections last year when there was a Belgium exhibition of Faberge and international eggs at Singapore’s Philatelic Museum.

The Ambassadior’s wife also imparted another tradition related to Easter in Russia: “As for Russian Easter tea, we bake a very rich cake once a year only. The process takes 4 to 5 hours. There are simpler cakes and cookies that can be done quickly. For example, on special occasions we make blini (pancakes) and spread them with jam, whipped cream, boiled condensed milk etc to make a tower. They are very tasty and looks beautiful! One of the photos here shows the Easter cake. We put icing on top and serve with special spread. Two letters written on the cake and postcards – XB – means “Christ resurrected” in Russian. On Easter morning we greet each other with these words. The response from the other person is “Resurrected indeed”. Then we kiss each other three times and exchange eggs.”