Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov backs easing of visa regimes in Asia-Pacific region for students and tourists.
The country's top diplomat denied Moscow was aiming to develop relations in Asia at the expense of contacts with Europe.
A powerful backlash has hit new laws due to be speeded through parliament on 'modernising' the country's science.
Today the Asia Pacific is a vital center of economic development and progressive political influence.
Dmitry Medvedev promises economic and military development of territory disputed since the end of World War Two.
Moscow's top diplomat stresses importance of the country's Asian face.
Foreign Minister says there is ‘enormous potential’ for eastern Russia as Moscow forges closer diplomatic bond with Beijing.
One proposal would allow influx of foreign workers, bypassing existing labour quotas.
The manoeuvres involved around 160,000 troops, 5,000 tanks, 130 combat aircraft and 70 warships.