Marcos, Putin talks to focus on energy, food security
President Marcos and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be meeting for the first time when they hold high-level talks on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Nations (Asean) and Russia commemorative summit in the city of Kazan from June 17 to June 18, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.
At a briefing in Malacañang, DFA Assistant Secretary and Asean 2026 spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said the leaders’ discussions would center on the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Manila and Moscow.
The meeting will also provide an opportunity for the two countries to explore ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly energy security and food security.
Middle East issue
“They will also discuss, among others, some very important regional international issues that both would consider important for the relationship,” Imperial said, noting that the Middle East crisis would be among their focus.
Also part of the agenda will be the deepening of relations between Russia and the Philippines, particularly on people-to-people, tourism, education, cultural cooperation, as well as science and technology.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte met with Putin twice during his presidency. He first visited Moscow in May 2017 but cut his trip short to declare martial law during the Marawi siege. He returned for a full official visit to Moscow and Sochi in October 2019.
Mr. Marcos in March, said the Philippines is holding government-to-government negotiations to secure fuel supply from other countries, including Russia. Manila, however, must first get clearance from Washington to avoid sanctions.
Imperial said all Asean-member heads of state will be attending the summit, except for Myanmar, which is sending its foreign ministry permanent secretary.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will also visit Kazan and meet with Putin, marking the first high-level talks between leaders from both sides since the city state in 2022 imposed sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.
