President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Russia, following his participation in the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, where he co-chaired alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

In his arrival statement, President Marcos said the summit — marking 35 years of ASEAN-Russia relations — allowed leaders to review the progress of their partnership and chart future collaboration amid a complex global environment. He and his delegation arrived at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 4:02 p.m. 

The President noted that discussions covered key regional and international issues, including developments in the South China Sea and the Middle East, as well as ways to enhance cooperation in areas vital to stability and prosperity. 

“We discussed ways to further advance our bilateral partnership across trade and investment, energy security, agriculture, science and technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges,” Marcos said. 

He added that ASEAN and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to tackling shared security challenges such as terrorism, transnational crime, cybercrime, and other non-traditional threats, while sustaining engagement across ASEAN’s political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars. 

The summit produced several outcome documents, including the Kazan Declaration 2026; ASEAN-Russia: Unity in Diversity – 35 Years Together; joint statements on cultural and energy cooperation; and the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action 2026-2030, which will guide collaboration over the next five years. 

Marcos also emphasized the growing interconnectedness of regional processes across Eurasia, citing constructive engagements with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union, particularly through the Eurasian Economic Commission, covering trade, energy, connectivity, agriculture, tourism, and responses to transnational challenges. 

On the sidelines of the summit, Marcos held a bilateral meeting with President Putin to reaffirm the friendship between the Philippines and Russia and explore opportunities for expanded cooperation.

“On the margins of the summit, I held a very productive bilateral meeting with President Putin where we reaffirmed the friendship and cooperation between Russia and the Philippines as we look forward to the next 50 years in our relations,” Marcos said. 

The two leaders discussed advancing cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, science and technology, education, and cultural exchanges. 

Marcos expressed gratitude to the Russian government and people for their hospitality and the successful hosting of the summit, stressing the Philippines’ commitment to constructive regional engagement and mutually beneficial partnerships with ASEAN dialogue partners.

“The Philippine delegation and I are grateful to the Government and people of the Russian Federation for their warm hospitality and the successful hosting of this Commemorative Summit,” he noted.