The study intends to develop an empirical vector model of Russia's foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region. In order to achieve this goal, based on the Foreign Policy Principles of the Russian Federation for 2000–2016, the vectors of Russia's foreign policy were determined, and the place of the Asia-Pacific region in Russia's foreign policy was outlined. Using data from the World Bank's World Integrated Trade Solution, Russia's key economic partners in the Asia-Pacific region were identified. Information on GDP growth rates and inflation index trends shows that such partners are Bangladesh, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. The authors developed the vector model of Russia's foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on economic cooperation with the above-mentioned key partner countries. The proposed foreign policy vector model will contribute to Russia's increased economic and political presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which is in line with Russia's foreign policy goals in this region and will also have a positive effect on the development of the Russian economy, particularly in the Far East. The limitation is that the proposed vector of Russia's foreign policy development can be implemented in the absence of additional international sanctions, which might target companies from the Asia-Pacific region. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.