Co-chairing the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the core priorities destined to shape and strengthen the future of the Russia-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) dialogue partnership.
Marking the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, President Marcos Jr. emphasized that the ASEAN-Russia partnership is built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared interests, and a steady conviction that cooperation—rather than confrontation—remains the surest path to enduring peace.
In his welcome remarks, the President presented a forward-looking roadmap for cooperation centered on three strategic pillars: peace, security, and stability; a dynamic economic partnership; and cohesive people-to-people ties.
In the area of peace, security, and stability, President Marcos Jr. proposed a pivot toward proactive, practical cooperation to safeguard the region. Key initiatives highlighted include:
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Strengthening maritime security and counter-terrorism measures.
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Reinforcing collective resilience against evolving threats in cyberspace.
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Developing institutional habits to combat illicit trafficking, cybercrime, and rampant online scams. “We must strengthen practical cooperation on maritime security and counter-terrorism, reinforce our collective resilience in cyberspace, and develop the institutional habits of anticipation rather than mere reaction,” President Marcos Jr. stated.
To drive a dynamic and inclusive economic partnership, the Philippine leader acknowledged the steady growth in trade and investment between Russia and ASEAN, but noted that the economic relationship has yet to reach its full potential. To unlock new opportunities, he suggested improving trade facilitation, deepening investment flows, and seamlessly connecting regional business communities.
To promote ties between peoples of Russia and ASEAN, the President highlighted cultural and educational exchanges as the “living core” of Russia-ASEAN relations. He asserted that the connections forged between everyday citizens outlast summit declarations and drive partnerships forward in ways policy alone cannot achieve.
The President further called for expanded investments in scholarships, student exchanges, academic partnerships, tourism, and the arts, with a specific focus on the next generation. “We must continue to invest in these bonds, placing our youth not merely at the receiving end of this cooperation, but at its center, as the generation that will ultimately decide what ASEAN-Russia relations will become,” he added.
The high-level summit featured substantive discussions among regional leaders regarding the future trajectory of ASEAN-Russia cooperation, touching upon science and technology, trade, and regional stability.
As the ASEAN Chair, President Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to translating the summit’s momentum into tangible, concrete outcomes. He welcomed Russia’s continued alignment with, and support for, ASEAN Centrality and the ASEAN-led regional architecture.
