Kazan: Russian President Vladimir Putin has held a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a TASS correspondent reported. This is the first of many bilateral contacts planned by the Russian leader on the sidelines of the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan. Marcos Jr. is visiting Russia for the first time.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines is set to lead the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026. Both Putin and Marcos Jr. are chairing the summit, underscoring the significance of their meeting. The Kremlin has highlighted the Philippines as a crucial partner in the Asia-Pacific region and a respected member of ASEAN.

Trade and economic relations, as well as humanitarian ties between Moscow and Manila, are reportedly developing. There is also a mutual interest in enhancing tourist exchanges between the two nations, with Russians enjoying a 30-day visa-free stay in the Philippines.