President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold bilateral talks focusing on energy and food security during the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russia from June 17 to 18.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Marcos will co-chair the summit with Putin and is expected to meet the Russian leader on the sidelines of the gathering. This will be Marcos’ first official visit to Russia as president.
DFA Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier Imperial said the bilateral meeting will highlight the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia, which were formally established in 1976.
He said discussions will explore expanded cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly energy and food security, along with possible collaboration in tourism, education, science and technology, and cultural exchanges.
Imperial added that both leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global issues, including the ongoing Middle East situation, which has affected global energy and food supply chains.
When asked about possible long-term fuel supply arrangements, Imperial said such discussions may arise but stressed that outcomes will depend on the flow of talks during the summit and bilateral meeting.
Energy cooperation is expected to be a key agenda item, including potential discussions on oil, natural gas, and even civilian nuclear energy cooperation, according to the DFA.
Marcos earlier said the Philippines would continue exploring diversified sources of petroleum products amid global supply pressures. Russia has recently supplied crude oil to the Philippines through Petron.
The ASEAN-Russia Summit will also review 35 years of partnership and is expected to adopt key documents, including the Kazan Declaration 2026 and a new ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action covering 2026 to 2030.
The summit agenda includes cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges, alongside a business forum attended by ASEAN leaders.
Marcos will be accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and a small delegation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Trade and Industry.