“ASEAN is a very important partner. Obviously, the economic centre of the world is shifting towards this region and we are investing in developing better connectivity between Russia and this region.

“We believe that our trade and economic relations can be mutually beneficial,” he told reporters today on the sidelines of 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits hosted by Malaysia from Oct 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Asked whether the move was due to Western sanctions, Overchuk said Russia has long adapted to such measures, describing sanctions as a constant reality that will not stop the country from pursuing cooperation and development with its partners.

“Let me tell you that our country has been under sanctions probably for the last 125 years. So sanctions, they've always existed, and we don't have illusions about them being lifted. But we have trade and economic relations. We maintain them. We improve them.

“We work to improve connectivity between countries and between regions and between different economic integration organisations like the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the ASEAN states,” he said. 

Asked on ASEAN’s interest regarding nuclear power, Overchuk said Russia has long shared its experience in power station projects with ASEAN countries.

There is growing global interest in small modular reactor (SMR) technology, he said, noting that Russia is currently the only country operating an SMR, with another under construction and an export arrangement to build one in Asia.

“Nuclear power is a clean power, of course. The world needs clean energy sources. The advantage of nuclear power is that it provides a sustainable source, which does not depend on the power of wind or availability of sunlight, and it's a prerequisite of economic growth in the modern society.

“Russia is a country that has tremendous wealth of experience in nuclear power generation and we have taken our knowledge and capabilities to other nations. We work in a lot of countries implementing nuclear power station projects throughout the world and ASEAN is obviously also part of those initiatives,” he said. 

Previously, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said nuclear power, especially new technologies like small modular reactors, is being considered as a potential option to strengthen energy security and support ASEAN’s shift towards a low-carbon energy future.

Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, stated that the Malaysian government is examining the role of nuclear power in its long-term energy strategy to ensure energy security, affordability, and sustainability.

-- BERNAMA