President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to travel to Kazan, Russia from June 17 to 18 to attend the 35th ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, Malacañang said Thursday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, citing the Department of Foreign Affairs, said the summit will provide an opportunity to review the progress of cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Russia.
Russia is a dialogue partner of ASEAN, while the Philippines, as ASEAN Chair, will lead discussions on the state of relations between the regional bloc and Moscow.
Castro said the summit is also expected to tackle steps to deepen and broaden Philippines-Russia ties, as well as ASEAN-Russia cooperation.
Asked whether energy agreements may be pursued during the visit, Castro said Energy Secretary Sharon Garin is expected to discuss possible options on energy transition and fuel diversification with the Russian Ambassador to the Philippines.
She said no further details were available yet on possible energy arrangements.
The Philippines recently acquired fuel from Russia amid tensions in the Middle East.