Representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said talks during the Regional Forum would not touch on Russia's alleged involvement over the downed Malaysian Airline Flight MH17, but instead stressed a dialogue to gain Moscow's cooperation for a probe.

While the 10-member group had discussed the matter among themselves ahead of the summit in Myanmar this weekend, diplomats said the regional talks should focus on the development of a transparent investigation.

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Aside from ASEAN representatives, other more notable attendees in the forum include U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

On July 17, commercial flight MH17 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile in east Ukraine that killed all 298 passengers on board. The U.S. and EU maintain Moscow's involvement in the crash, saying that the missile that brought down the plane was fired by rebels who had Russian-supplied weapons.

Moscow has denied the accusations.

Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said the ASEAN would not proceed "with Russia as the guilty party."

But the problematic security in the region has waylaid efforts to conduct ground investigations although the Wall Street Journal noted that nearly all the victims' bodies have been recovered and sent back home.

Malaysia has repeatedly demanded for free access to the site to conduct its investigations, arguing that the country had a right to prosecute those accountable for the crash.

Despite that, the ASEAN will stick to its consensus.

"Don't expect any statement or pressure on Russia," said Myanmar Information Minister Ye Htut.

The ASEAN forum is not intended to corner and force and nations, he added, emphasizing instead the need for mutual respect and dialogue.

Malaysian officials were not available for comment.

Kuala Lumpur is expected to hold an ASEAN bilateral meeting with Russia on Saturday.

TagsASEAN, Russia, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, ASEAN Regional Forum, John Kerry, Sergei Lavrov, Ukraine crisis, K. Shanmugam, Ye Htut, Malaysia, ASEAN summit, EU