By Brian Campued
As the strategic partnership between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Russia marks its 35th year, both Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their commitment to continue strengthening cooperation across the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars of engagement.
Speaking at a joint press briefing after co-chairing the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan on Thursday, President Marcos Jr. said that the partnership between the regional bloc and Moscow remains “constructive, forward-looking, and responding to the evolving needs of our people.”
He highlighted the adoption of key outcome documents, including the Kazan Declaration 2026, the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action 2026-2030, the Joint Statement and Concept Paper on Cultural Cooperation, and the Joint Statement and Concept Paper on Energy Cooperation.
“Together, these documents provide a comprehensive roadmap for expanding practical cooperation and delivering tangible results and benefits to our peoples in the years to come,” he said.
During the summit, Marcos Jr. said ASEAN leaders and Putin also had “productive and substantive” discussions on strengthening cooperation in peace, stability, and sustainable development; trade and investment; food and energy security; science and technology; people-to-people exchanges; tourism; and addressing transnational challenges.
The developments in the wider Eurasian region, the opportunities for greater engagement between ASEAN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Eurasian Economic Union were also tackled.
“We remain committed to ensuring that the momentum generated at the Summit translates into concrete outcomes and meaningful cooperation,” the Philippine leader said.
Putin, for his part, emphasized the commitment of Russia in deepening mutually beneficial and strategic cooperation with Southeast Asian countries.
He noted the summit’s outcome documents reflect both ASEAN and Russia’s adherence to international law and the United Nations Charter as well as their commitment to deepening ties in politics and security, trade and investment, culture, and humanitarian sphere.
“I’d like to highlight that Russia, generally, is trying to build with states from Southeast Asia a multifaceted, truly strategic partnership. And we see the same sentiment to act together, hand in hand, from our Asian friends,” Pres. Putin said.
The Russian leader likewise assured ASEAN member states of continued support through increased exports of products with high added value, such as fertilizers and medicines.
“Naturally, we’ll continue to supply our Asian friends with food and energy, which are very high in demand,” he said as the United States and Iran agreed to ease months-long tensions in the Middle East, which disrupted global oil supplies.
“We expect that the situation in the Middle East and in the Persian Gulf will stabilize, which will have a positive effect among others on global energy and food markets,” Putin said.
He also stressed Russia’s readiness to cooperate with ASEAN countries in developing peaceful nuclear energy programs through state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom as well as expanding transcontinental maritime and railroad cargo shipments by building new routes and launching joint logistics services.
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