President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to strengthen cooperation between the Philippines and Russia, focusing on trade, energy, and food security as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.
The two leaders held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, where Marcos is participating in his capacity as ASEAN Chair.
During the meeting, Marcos and Putin explored ways to expand collaboration in key sectors and acknowledged that there is significant room to deepen economic ties between Manila and Moscow.
Marcos emphasized the importance of maintaining regular consultations between the two countries to identify additional areas for cooperation.
“As you mentioned, Excellency, there are many potential areas that I think we should still hope to explore. I think the present level of trade, although it is steady, there is a great deal more that we can do,” Marcos said.
Putin echoed the sentiment, saying there are more opportunities to broaden trade relations between the Philippines and Russia, particularly in agricultural products and energy resources.
They also noted that the existing Joint Russia-Philippine Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation could serve as a mechanism to further strengthen economic engagement between the two countries.
The meeting also highlighted the significance of the golden anniversary of diplomatic relations established on June 2, 1976.
Marcos described the occasion as a milestone in bilateral relations, saying, “It is a particularly significant time for us to be meeting as this is the 50 years celebration of Philippine-Russian ties.”
Putin recalled the visit of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to Moscow in 1976, which paved the way for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia.
The Russian president also congratulated Marcos and the Filipino people on the celebration of Philippine Independence Day on June 12.
Putin pointed out that Russia likewise celebrates Russia Day every June 12, describing it as a “happy coincidence” that symbolizes the longstanding friendship and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Marcos also personally invited Putin to visit Manila in November to attend the 21st East Asia Summit, saying the regional forum remains vital in promoting “a stable, secure, and prosperous region.”
