President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in Kazan, Russia, on Wednesday morning to attend the high-level ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit. The visit marks a historic milestone, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia.
The President’s plane departed Manila on Tuesday evening and touched down at Kazan International Airport at 7:53 AM (Russia time). His high-profile itinerary begins this afternoon with a critical bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by an official gala dinner.
As the current Chair of ASEAN, the Philippines is leading this summit under the theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.” President Marcos Jr. emphasized the nation’s commitment to steering the regional bloc toward an open, inclusive, and rules-based architecture anchored firmly in international law.
“The Philippines is committed to ensuring that this Commemorative Summit produces substantive and forward-looking outcomes that deepen ASEAN’s Strategic Partnership with Russia—particularly in ensuring regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity,” President Marcos Jr. stated in his departure address.
The multi-lateral summit will focus on broad regional cooperation, including digital transformation, science and technology, trade, and peace and security. On a bilateral level, the face-to-face talks between President Marcos Jr. and President Putin will pivot to sharp, concrete actions addressing immediate domestic needs: energy and food security.
The trip carries profound historical and personal significance for the Philippine leader. It is President Marcos Jr.’s first official visit to Russia, mirroring a historic 1976 journey made by his father, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., to the Soviet Union, which originally established diplomatic ties between the two nations.
“For over five decades, our bilateral ties have steadily deepened across trade, education, culture, agriculture, energy, science, and, above all, through the sustained bonds between our peoples,” the President added.
To support these strategic negotiations, a high-level Philippine delegation accompanied the President, including:
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Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Foreign Affairs Secretary
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Dave Gomez, Presidential Communications Office Secretary
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Leo M. Herrera-Lim, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary
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Igor Bailen, Philippine Ambassador to Russia
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Allan Gepty, Trade Undersecretary
