ASEAN, Russia hold first joint naval drill

Russia and some Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) member countries on December 1 launched their first ever joint naval exercise along the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, according to the Indonesian navy.

At the event (Photo: Indonesian Navy)
At the event (Photo: Indonesian Navy)

This exercise is about peace, stability and prosperity in the region, said Russian Ambassador to ASEAN Alexander Ivanov.

Indonesian first fleet commander Arsyad Abdullah said the exercise will enhance the interoperability and understanding between the Russian and ASEAN militaries.

ASEAN countries previously held joint drills with the US and Chinese navies.