Putin Sees Untapped Tourism Potential Between Russia and Brunei

KAZAN, June 17 — Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of significant untapped opportunities for tourism and cultural exchanges between Russia and Brunei during a meeting with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The conversation took place on the sidelines of the Russia-ASEAN summit, being held in Kazan from June 17 to 19. Putin pointed out that a two-week visa-free travel arrangement already in place between the two nations makes it easier for people to visit each other’s countries. The summit marks 35 years of diplomatic relations between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Alongside the main meetings, a Russia-ASEAN business forum was held on June 17. RIA Novosti is the forum’s information partner. ASEAN, founded in 1967, includes 11 member states: Brunei, East Timor, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. Leaders in Kazan are expected to discuss pressing international and regional issues, as well as ways to deepen cooperation between Russia and the bloc. For travelers, the visa-free policy already makes Brunei an easier destination to explore from Russia, and vice versa. As both countries look to boost visitor numbers, this diplomatic push could mean more direct flights and cultural events in the near future.