Kazan: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to Russia, departing from Villamor Airbase in Pasay City late Tuesday. Marcos is set to lead the Philippines' delegation at the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan and engage in crucial bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on energy and food security. According to Philippines News Agency, the summit coincides with the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations and marks Marcos's first visit to Russia. This event also commemorates 50 years of diplomatic relations between Manila and Moscow. The President emphasized that the summit will offer a platform for ASEAN leaders and President Putin to evaluate three decades of cooperation and explore opportunities for deeper engagement in the future. As the Chair of ASEAN, the Philippines is committed to ensuring that the summit yields substantive outcomes that enhance ASEAN's Strategic Partnership with Russia. The discussions at the summit are e xpected to address crucial areas such as peace and security, trade and investment, food and energy security, science and technology, digital transformation, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. On the sidelines of the summit, President Marcos will hold bilateral talks with President Putin. The discussions will focus on mutual interests, particularly in the areas of energy and food security, which are of paramount importance given the current global concerns over energy prices and supply stability amid geopolitical tensions. Marcos reiterated the Philippines' dedication to ASEAN centrality and regional cooperation. He highlighted the importance of ASEAN unity, centrality, and solidarity, and emphasized the need for an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional architecture anchored in international law. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos highlighted the significance of the trip, noting that despite the brief duration of around 38 hours in Russia, the discussions will address critical issues impact ing Filipino families, including food and energy security and fuel prices. The summit will take place on June 17 and 18 in Kazan, where ASEAN leaders and President Putin are expected to adopt key documents that will outline future cooperation between the regional bloc and Russia.