MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to explore new opportunities for cooperation in food and energy security, as they sought to further enhance their bilateral relations.
The two leaders held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russia on Wednesday.
In his remarks, Putin told Marcos that Russia saw "good potential" to enhance its supply of agriculture and energy resources" with the Philippines.
"Apparently, we are approaching the present threshold with an immense capital of mutually beneficial cooperation underpinned by good traditions of mutual respect and respect for legitimate interests of each other," Putin said.
The Russian leader noted that bilateral trade exceeded $500 million last year and said there remainws substantial potential for expansion.
"Of course, this is far from the limit. And of course, there is a good potential to enhance supplies of agriculture and energy resources,” Putin said.
"Today, we have a good opportunity, Mr. President, to evaluate the current stage the of Russia-Philippines cooperation," he added.
Marcos agreed with Putin, saying that the Philippines is looking to forge closer energy and food security cooperation with Russia.
"There are many potential areas that I think we should still open to explore and I think that the present level of trade, although it is steady, I think there is a great deal more that we can do," Marcos said.
"We appreciate the forward-looking exchange on the different structural issues that affect the trade and – between our two countries," he added.
