Amidst the high-stakes, back-to-back schedule of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s overnight working visit to Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro successfully advanced Philippine diplomatic interests on multiple fronts.
While attending the ASEAN-Russia 35th Anniversary Commemorative Summit, Secretary Lazaro engaged in critical bilateral discussions with high-ranking Russian officials, led by her counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov. The strategic meeting focused on navigating complex regional dynamics, evaluating bilateral cooperation, and addressing mutual geopolitical interests.
In addition to her formal diplomatic duties, Secretary Lazaro actively managed international media attention, accommodating a series of spontaneous interviews with major global broadcast networks.
Throughout these press engagements, she effectively articulated the Philippines’ independent foreign policy stance, emphasized the economic and security goals of the President’s visit, and underscored the significance of ASEAN-Russia relations in maintaining regional stability.
Secretary Lazaro’s parallel diplomatic and media blitz ensured that the Philippines maintained a robust, proactive presence on the sidelines of the summit, maximizing the impact of the administration’s brief but intensive working visit.
