MANILA — The Philippines is set to spearhead efforts to deepen the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) engagement with Russia as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his capacity as ASEAN chair, prepares to lead discussions at the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan next week, Malacañang said.
The June 17-18 summit marks the 35th anniversary of relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Russia and is expected to tackle expanded cooperation in trade, energy, regional security, and other strategic areas amid ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Moscow.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the gathering will serve as a platform to assess existing partnerships and identify new opportunities for cooperation between Russia and ASEAN member states.
“Ang Russia ay isang ASEAN dialogue partner at bilang ASEAN Chair, ang Pilipinas, pangungunahan natin ang pagsusuri sa naging takbo ng ating kooperasyon at relasyon sa Russia,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
“Kasama na rin dito ang pagtatalakay sa mga susunod na hakbang upang higit pang mapalalim at mapalawak ang ugnayan ng Pilipinas at Russia at ng ASEAN,” she added.
Marcos is expected to represent ASEAN in the commemorative summit, which comes as Russia continues to face sanctions from several countries following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Despite international criticism of Moscow, the Palace stressed that the President’s participation is part of the Philippines’ obligations as the current ASEAN chair.
“Binanggit po natin kanina na tayo po kasi ang ASEAN Chair at kailangan po nating pangunahan po ito,” Castro said.
“Tutal po ito ay related po sa — at ito’y tinatawag na ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit so kinakailangan po talaga ng Pangulo na magtungo sa nasabing summit,” she added.
The Palace also revealed that Energy Secretary Sharon Garin is scheduled to meet Russian Ambassador Marat Ignatyevich Pavlov before the President’s departure to discuss possible cooperation in the energy sector.
“There are no details yet but she wants to explore possible options on energy transition and fuel diversification,” Castro said.
The planned discussions come as the Philippines seeks to diversify its energy sources and strengthen energy security. Russia remains one of the world’s leading producers of oil and natural gas, with energy exports serving as a major pillar of its economy.
According to data from the ASEAN Secretariat, trade between ASEAN and Russia reached approximately $18.1 billion in 2024, while Russian foreign direct investments in Southeast Asia were estimated at $65 million.
ASEAN and Russia have also been pursuing negotiations for a free trade agreement since 2010, although talks have yet to produce a final accord.
The Kazan summit is expected to focus on boosting economic cooperation, enhancing regional security collaboration, advancing energy development initiatives, and expanding other areas of mutual interest between ASEAN member states and Russia./PN
