Manila, Philippines – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. affirmed that his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Russia-ASEAN Summit was productive.
The meeting also addressed a number of bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest,
reflecting the two countries’ efforts to strengthen cooperation and partnership.
Strengthening bilateral cooperation
Upon his return to the Philippines after a two-day working visit to Russia, the Philippine president stated that his meeting
with Putin reaffirmed the strong friendship and cooperation between Moscow and Manila.
He noted that the two sides discussed ways to develop their partnership in trade,
investment, energy security, agriculture, science and technology, and education.
He added that the talks also addressed strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
This cooperation, he said, will contribute to expanding the horizons of joint collaboration and supporting mutual interests.
Regional and international issues
The Philippine president explained that the meeting included an exchange of views on a number of regional and international developments,
including the situation in the South China Sea and ongoing developments in the Middle East.
They also discussed challenges affecting regional security and stability.
He noted that the dialogue reflected a shared desire to continue coordination and consultation on issues of mutual interest,
focusing on matters that serve the interests of both countries and contribute to international stability.
Countering security threats
Marcos noted that the two sides also discussed ways to enhance practical
cooperation in addressing shared security challenges, primarily terrorism and transnational threats.
Both sides emphasized the importance of continued coordination
between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Philippine president affirmed that the discussions focused on strengthening
partnerships that contribute to the stability and prosperity of both nations.
He also stressed the importance of expanding political, economic, and security cooperation in the coming period.
