Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored the importance of energy security, food security, and economic cooperation as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Russia marked 35 years of dialogue relations during the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a joint press briefing after co-chairing the summit, Marcos stated that leaders discussed practical areas of cooperation that would benefit both Southeast Asia and Russia amid ongoing global uncertainties. "Today, ASEAN and the Russian Federation commemorate 35 years of dialogue relations and we affirm our shared commitment to a partnership that remains constructive, forward-looking, and responding to the evolving needs of our people," Marcos said.
He mentioned that ASEAN leaders and Putin exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in areas such as peace and security, trade and investment, food and energy security, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. The Philippine leader also highlighted the adoption of key outcome documents, including the Kazan Declaration 2026 and the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action 2026-2030, which will serve as a roadmap for future engagement between the regional bloc and Moscow.
Energy cooperation emerged as one of the summit's major themes, with leaders addressing the challenges posed by volatile global fuel markets and supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions. Putin stated that ASEAN member-states and Russia agreed on the need to deepen economic cooperation, diversify trade, and strengthen energy partnerships.
"Russia offers increased exports in ASEAN states of products with high added value, including fertilizers and medicines. Naturally, we'll continue to supply our Asian friends with food and energy, which are very high in demand," Putin said, emphasizing Russia's readiness to collaborate with ASEAN countries in developing peaceful nuclear energy programs through state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom.
The summit takes place as governments worldwide continue to monitor energy markets following tensions in the Middle East and disruptions affecting global oil supplies. Putin expressed optimism that efforts to ease tensions in the region, such as the reported peace agreement between the United States and Iran, would help stabilize global energy and food markets.
As ASEAN Chair, Marcos reiterated the Philippines' commitment to strengthening ASEAN centrality and ensuring that engagements with external partners contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Additionally, the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit adopted a Joint Statement and Concept Paper on Energy Cooperation, aimed at expanding collaboration in the energy sector between Russia and Southeast Asian nations.
