Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting several Asian leaders in the city of Kazan on Wednesday for a regional summit that coincides with the Group of Seven meeting, where discussions are focusing on major international issues, including the war in Ukraine.

The two-day summit marks the 35th anniversary of cooperation between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), highlighting Moscow’s efforts to strengthen political and economic ties with the region.

According to the Kremlin, participants include the prime ministers of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore, as well as the president of the Philippines, alongside representatives from other ASEAN member states.

The Kremlin said Putin will welcome the delegations during an official ceremony on Wednesday, while the main working sessions of the summit are scheduled for Thursday.

The gathering comes as Russia seeks to expand its partnerships with Asian economies and deepen cooperation with Southeast Asian countries in areas such as trade, investment, and energy.