While energy may be ‘a good opening’ for Russia to boost Asean ties, analysts say its relevance in the region is unlikely to grow.

"Russia has enormous experience in electricity generation and energy supplies," ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said

Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov stressed that trade turnover between Russia and ASEAN had increased by 58% over the past 10 years, reaching $21 bln