Marcos, Putin seen to tackle energy, food security in Russia bilateral talks

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to discuss energy security and food security during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Russia Summit in Kazan this week.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary and ASEAN spokesman Dominic Xavier Imperial said this in a press briefing on Monday.

“On the margins of the summit, the President will also hold a bilateral meeting with President Putin. The discussions will center on the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia,” he said.

“The meeting will likewise provide an opportunity to explore ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest particularly energy security and food security,” he added.

Imperial said the Philippines is also looking at deepening its relations with Russia when it comes to tourism, education, cultural cooperation, and science and technology.

When it comes to energy, Imperial said that both leaders will cover oil, natural gas, and cooperation on nuclear energy.

“In fact, even going beyond nuclear energy, even the severe induces of nuclear energy might be some of the areas of discussions, during this summit and also the bilateral meeting between the President and President Putin,” the DFA official said.

He said the country also seeks to push support for the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), as well as the ASEAN Power Grid.

Marcos is set to visit Kazan, Russia on June 17-18 to participate in the ASEAN-Russia Summit. It will mark Marcos’ first visit to the Russian Federation as President.

The Philippines holds the chairship of the ASEAN for 2026.

No document on Russia-Ukraine war

Imperial also said that no outcome document on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is expected to be formed during the summit.

“It’s hard to say whether that issue will be discussed because after all, as a summit, we see the leaders coming together, they’ll be sitting down. But as regards an outcome document, certainly there won’t be any,” the DFA official said.

He explained that all the outcome documents that will emerge from the summit will only be regarding the areas of cooperation such as energy security, food security, and highlighting the 35 years of relationship between ASEAN and Russia.

“So there won’t be any statement or declaration when it comes to Ukraine,” he said.

"I won’t be able to also guess or preempt what the other leaders will be raising during the summit, but what I can share with you is that there will be discussions on regional and international issues during the summit,” he continued. —RF, GMA News