Putin to Marcos: We have opportunity to expand cooperation

Metro Manila, Philippines – Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow and Manila have an opportunity to evaluate and expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture and energy, as he welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit.

Meeting Marcos for the first time in Russia, Putin noted that the Philippines and Russia are marking 50 years of diplomatic relations this year and recalled the historic 1976 visit of Marcos’ father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., to Moscow.

“Today we have a good opportunity, Mr. President, to evaluate the current state of Russia-Philippine cooperation,” Putin said on Wednesday, June 17.  

The Russian leader said bilateral trade exceeded half a billion dollars last year and described the figure as “far from the limit.”

“Of course, there is good potential to enhance supplies of agriculture and energy resources,” Putin said.

Putin also highlighted the significance of the anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, saying the establishment of ties during the Cold War required political will from the Philippine leadership at the time.

The Russian president congratulated Filipinos on the country’s Independence Day and pointed out that Russia celebrates its own national holiday on June 12 as well.

For his part, Marcos thanked Putin for Russia’s hospitality and emphasized the importance of the meeting as the two countries celebrate five decades of diplomatic relations.

“It is a particularly significant time for us to be meeting as this is the 50 years celebration of Philippine-Russian ties,” Marcos said.

The president said Manila hopes to continue regular political consultations with Moscow through their respective foreign ministries, describing them as an important mechanism for exploring new areas of cooperation.

Marcos also invited Putin to attend the 21st East Asia Summit, which is scheduled to be held in Manila in November.

The President noted that energy and food security emerged as common priorities during recent discussions between the two countries and said there remains significant room to expand economic cooperation.

“There are many potential areas that I think we should still open to explore,” Marcos said.

“I think the present level of trade, although it is steady, there is a great deal more that we can do.”

The bilateral meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, where leaders are marking 35 years of relations between Russia and the regional bloc.