Russia to Hold Cybersecurity Exercises With ASEAN Countries
The 6th meeting of the Russia–ASEAN Dialogue on ICT Security was held on October 8 on the sidelines of the 2nd Global Digital Forum. The meeting brought together industry experts and government officials from Russia, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam and Laos.
At the start of the discussion on information and communications technology (ICT) security challenges, Alexander Alimov, head of the Russian delegation and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, highlighted growing trust between Russia and ASEAN countries in the digital space:
“We value our partnership with ASEAN on ICT security. It is based on a shared commitment to the principles of sovereign equality of states, non-interference in their internal affairs and bridging the digital divide. Our leaders agreed on precisely these principles at the anniversary Russia–ASEAN summit in Kazan in June this year. Building on these agreements, we will continue to steadily strengthen our cooperation in the digital space.”
Min Zeyar Hlain, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Communications of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, ASEAN Business Partnership Coordinator and co-chair of the Russia–ASEAN Dialogue, stressed that the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, making ICT security a priority for the countries taking part in the meeting:
“ICT is driving our economy and supporting our governance systems. We can exchange experience and practical expertise. We promote a responsible approach to ICT based on clear rules. We have a shared digital environment and space, and we need to ensure security across the entire region.”
Russian experts stressed the particular importance of advancing ICT security within the dialogue partnership among Russia, ASEAN member states and the United Nations. Russia considers the UN a key forum and the only organization capable of taking into account the views of all participating countries without exception.
“Unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that the number and complexity of challenges in the digital sphere continue to grow. The only effective way to counter this threat is to strengthen international cooperation to protect information security. It is important to develop practical cooperation within our dialogue. In particular, we should return to discussions on a draft action plan for implementing the main areas of bilateral cooperation, as well as joint initiatives involving the relevant authorities, including efforts to establish contacts with the ASEAN regional computer incident response team. The information security situation in our region cannot be considered in isolation from the global discussion of these issues. We need common rules of the road that guarantee compliance with the fundamental provisions of the UN Charter, above all the sovereign equality of states and the principle of non-interference in their internal affairs. The first step in this direction has already been taken with the adoption in 2024 of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, developed at Russia’s initiative. In our view, the next step should be to develop similar international legal instruments covering other aspects of information security,” Alexander Alimov said.
Russia also proposed holding international training drills at the UN to counter cyberattacks, a proposal that received a positive response. The drills are intended to help developing countries gain the skills and experience needed to counter malicious operations under conditions close to those in real-world incidents.
Another initiative to strengthen cooperation on ICT security within the International Telecommunication Union is the regulation of low-Earth-orbit satellite internet systems. The proposal calls for the adoption of secure technologies that enable competent government authorities to protect digital sovereignty within their national information environments. The Russian Federation has such capabilities. This would help minimize the risks of these systems being used to interfere in the internal affairs of states or for criminal and terrorist purposes.
Participants in the Dialogue supported the Russian initiative and immediately proposed practical steps to implement it. Jadet Khuhakongkit, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Cyber Security Agency of Thailand, noted that Thailand conducts its own cybersecurity exercises. He proposed exchanging practical experience in organizing such exercises, as well as data on cyber threats.
A representative of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam proposed holding expanded cybersecurity exercises involving critical infrastructure operators, with Vietnam potentially serving as the venue.
“We propose holding expanded cybersecurity exercises involving critical infrastructure operators, such as companies in the energy, financial, telecommunications and transportation sectors. Finally, we also propose cooperation among government agencies, businesses and educational institutions on cybersecurity research,” the Vietnamese representative said.
Russia has already responded to the proposal, and joint cybersecurity exercises will be held by the end of 2026.
At the end of the meeting, Min Zeyar Hlain noted that the hybrid format of the discussion had helped strengthen dialogue between Russia and ASEAN countries:
“Our dialogue is extremely important. As co-chair, I want to emphasize the need to turn everything we discussed today into practical action. Let us continue to support our cooperation. By working together, we can respond more effectively to emerging cybersecurity threats and help create a more peaceful and resilient digital world.”
