MANILA, Philippines — Hopes are high that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will have a “productive discussion” with President Vladimir Putin when he embarks on his two-day working visit to Russia later this week.
In a Palace briefing, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Dax Ismael said the two leaders’ face-to-face is a side event to the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Russia Commemorative Summit slated for June 17-18 in the city of Kazan.
“The discussions will center on the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia. The meeting will likewise provide an opportunity to explore ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest particularly energy security and food security,” Ismael said.
People-to-people exchange, tourism, education, cultural cooperation, and science and technology are also likely to be tackled, the official added.
Meanwhile, the commemorative summit would will bring together the leaders of Asean and Russia to commemorate 35 years of dialogue relations and to chart the future direction of this partnership.
“The summit is likewise expected to adopt several key outcome documents. These will guide Asean-Russia cooperation in the years ahead. This includes the Kazan Declaration 2026 which will articulate the shared vision of ASEAN and Russia as we commemorate 35 years of partnership as well as joint statements on energy and on cultural cooperation,” Ismael said.
"The leaders are also expected to adopt the Asean-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action 2026-2030 which will serve as the principal roadmap for advancing cooperation across the political security, economic and sociocultural pillars of the partnership,” he added.
