President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for enhanced practical cooperation among ASEAN member states and Russia during the 35th ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit held in Kazan.
Strengthening Security and Economic Ties
In an era of deepening geopolitical uncertainty, the value of steady political and security engagement between ASEAN and Russia cannot be overstated.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines
Marcos, who co-chaired the summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasized the importance of addressing transnational threats like terrorism and cybercrime, which do not recognize national borders.
He urged for a shift from reactive measures to proactive strategies in institutional frameworks, advocating for better preparedness against such challenges.
The Philippine leader also highlighted the untapped potential of trade and investment between ASEAN and Russia, which has seen growth over the past year but remains below expectations.
Marcos pointed out that food and energy security are foundational to regional stability and must be prioritized in economic cooperation.
He reinforced the need for inclusivity in economic partnerships, advocating for the involvement of micro, small, and medium enterprises in these initiatives.
Cultural exchanges were also a focal point, with Marcos calling for increased scholarships, student exchanges, and tourism initiatives. He stated, 'These are not peripheral to our relationship; they are at its living core.'
Marcos expressed optimism that the summit would yield significant outcomes, including several key documents to guide future ASEAN-Russia relations, such as the Kazan Declaration 2026 and a comprehensive action plan for 2026-2030.
He reiterated the commitment of ASEAN countries and Russia to transform the momentum from the summit into concrete, actionable results for the benefit of their citizens.