On November 14, 2024, Moscow, Russian Federation, the Asian Vision Institute (AVI) and the
Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to foster the cooperation in the fields of research, education, and cultural
exchange. The MoU was signed by Dr. Chheng Kimlong, President of the Asian Vision Institute
(AVI), and Dr. Andrey Baykov, Vice Rector for Research Affairs at MGIMO University. This
landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishes a comprehensive framework for
collaboration between the two esteemed institutions, with a particular emphasis on key areas such
as international relations, public policy, and sustainable development.
During the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), both institutions expressed that
this collaboration would advance the common goals and enhance their research capabilities to
conduct comprehensive analyses of a variety of regional and global issues. The two institutions will
work together to establish an in-depth assessment of geopolitical and geoeconomic trends in the
region and beyond by putting together experts, prominent researchers, and young researchers. The
AVI-MGIMO collaboration marked a significant milestone in the development of cooperation,
fostering joint evidence-based policy research and studies. In light of the current global geopolitical
turbulence, this is a response to the new challenges and opportunities that surround international
cooperation and mutual interests within the political and socio-economic development of the Asia-
Pacific Region.
Alongside the signing ceremony, the ASEAN Center of the Moscow State Institute of International
Relations (MGIMO) extended an invitation to Dr. Chheng Kimlong, President of the Asian Vision
Institute (AVI), to attend the international conference “Russia and ASEAN in the Asia-Pacific
Region: Dynamics of Cooperation, Regional Processes, and Global Context” at MGIMO
University. The conference commemorated the 20th anniversary of Russia’s accession to the Treaty
of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and the 25th anniversary of the formation of
ASEAN-10.
During the plenary session of the conference, Dr. Chheng Kimlong highlighted the expanding
partnership between ASEAN and Russia. This relation has evolved into a strategic partnership that mutually benefits both parties by promoting peace, stability, and mutual respect across a variety of
sectors. He also stressed the importance of ASEAN’s centrality and unity in the developing regional
architecture of the Asia-Pacific region, which depends on ASEAN-led mechanisms and is the
driving force behind strong diplomatic ties with ASEAN. He observed that Russia has played a
crucial role in advancing regional stability and prosperity for ASEAN, consistently establishing the
region as a leading advocate for a just and inclusive global order.
The event was presided over and witnessed by H.E. Mr. Andrey Rudenko, Deputy Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr. Ivan Polyakov, Chairman of Russia-ASEAN
Business Council, the representative from Eurasia Economic Council (EEC), Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO), Diplomatic Corps, and the prominent scholars from the ASEAN countries and
think tanks from the Russia Federation.
