The delegations are among over 100 attending a Russia-hosted forum on cyber and regional security

eads of delegations from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will meet informally in Moscow this week on the sidelines of a global security forum, marking their fifth such gathering aimed at deepening ties with Russia.

The meeting, set for May 27 to 29 will coincide with the 13th annual conference of senior security officials, organised by Russia's Security Council.

ASEAN, comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, "do not want to become an arena of confrontation between great powers and are committed to building a system of equal and shared security," according to the Security Council's press service.

The broader forum will be chaired by Sergey Shoigu, head of Russia's Security Council and former defense minister.

More than 100 foreign delegations are expected to participate in discussions covering cyber threats, protecting critical infrastructure, and collaborative responses to emerging global risks. Among the confirmed attendees is Nurlan Yermekbayev, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

For the first time, representatives of Afghanistan's Taliban-led government will also take part in the forum. While the de-facto authorities in Kabul are not formally recognized by the international community, Afghanistan retains observer status within the SCO and continues to engage with several international and regional organizations.

Organisers say the closed-door format will promote open dialogue and stronger international coordination.

"Modern security challenges and threats are global and cross-border in nature," the Security Council said in a statement. "No country can deal with them alone or in one-on-one partnerships. In recent years, countries from the Global South and East have gained a stronger voice in regional and international organisations," it added.

Confirmed participants include delegations from BRICS, ASEAN, the African Union, the Arab League, the SCO, the CIS, and the CSTO.

First held in 2010, the forum provides a platform for international dialogue on terrorism, organised crime, extremism, drug trafficking, and other global challenges.

(RT.com)