The Philippines is considering expanding cooperation with Russia in emerging and strategic sectors such as nuclear energy, space technology, and artificial intelligence (AI), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.
President Marcos said his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin covered a wide range of areas that had not been previously explored in depth between the two countries.
Putin noted that bilateral trade between the Philippines and Russia has already reached over US$500 million, but both sides see significant room for expansion.
President Marcos agreed, saying there is “a great deal of potential” to further develop bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
“There is a very serious potential for development — not only in trade, but also in people-to-people ties, cultural exchanges, and other areas of cooperation,” he said.
The President also underscored the Philippines’ broader diplomatic direction, noting the country’s shift toward engaging a multipolar global environment that allows for more diversified partnerships.
“What all countries do is engage each other to make relationships stronger, deeper, and more vibrant. And that is what we are hoping to achieve,” President Marcos added.
President Marcos returned on Friday from his June 17 to 18 visit to Russia, where he co-chaired the 35th ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit with Putin.