Putin holds talks with Thai, Singaporean leaders in Kazan

Russian President Vladimir Putin held separate meetings with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan on Thursday, focusing on deepening economic and security cooperation with both Southeast Asian partners.

Energy and trade expansion with Thailand

During talks with Anutin, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in trade, energy and security, according to the Thai Enquirer. Discussions addressed the impact of Middle East tensions on global energy security, with Thailand welcoming Russian support for clean energy, liquefied natural gas, petrochemicals and fertilizer projects. Both sides expressed support for advancing a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, while agreeing to strengthen defense, public health, science, education, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and tourism ties alongside efforts to combat online scams ahead of the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, with Anutin noting that nearly 2 million Russian tourists visited Thailand in 2025.

Singapore reaffirms stance on Ukraine

In a separate meeting, Wong and Putin reviewed bilateral ties and regional cooperation, after which Wong reiterated Singapore's position on Ukraine. The prime minister stated that the city-state's stance was rooted in its belief that the "sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected," according to his post on social media platform X. Wong also met Tatarstan leader Rustam Minnikhanov during his first visit to Kazan, with Minnikhanov recalling his warm meetings with Singapore's founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and the friendships forged with Singaporeans over the years.

Russia's trade with Thailand stands at about $1.5 billion, according to data from the Thai-Russian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Singapore remains one of Russia's largest trading partners in Southeast Asia, with bilateral trade exceeding $4 billion in recent years, according to Russia's Ministry of Economic Development and Singapore government data.