The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Russia concluded here Tuesday their first summit, both sides reiterated their commitment to furthering multilateral cooperation in politics, security and economic and social development.

In a joint declaration on partnership adopted at the summit, the leaders of ASEAN and Russia said their partnership was meant to encourage economic growth and sustain development, prosperity and social progress based on the principles of equality, symbiosis and shared responsibility, as well as to promote peace, stability, security and prosperity throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived here Tuesday for the historic regional summit.

Russia recognizes and respects ASEAN's efforts create a nuclear free zone in Southeast Asia, said a joint declaration.

According to the declaration, ASEAN and Russia agreed to exchange information on terrorist groups and potential terrorist threats, including attacks using chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear weapons.

Russia and ASEAN confirmed their mutual determination to develop counter-terrorism cooperation on the basis of UN conventions and protocols on terrorism and UN Security Council resolutions.

They also agreed to unite efforts against money laundering and illicit drug trafficking.

The ASEAN member countries are Brunei, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Source: Xinhua