Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Katrina Domingo

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Philippines seeks to “deepen and broaden” its ties with Russia during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Russia Commemorative Summit next week, Malacañang said on Thursday, ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s trip to Kazan despite sanctions against the Eurasian country that waged war on Ukraine.The Philippine President — who chairs the ASEAN this year — will lead the regional bloc’s meetings with Russian officials on June 17 and 18, which also marks the 35th anniversary of formal relations between ASEAN and Russia, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a Palace briefing. “Ang Russia ay isang ASEAN dialogue partner at bilang ASEAN Chair, ang Pilipinas, pangungunahan natin ang pagsusuri sa naging takbo ng ating kooperasyon at relasyon sa Russia,” she said.“Kasama na rin dito ang pagtatalakay sa mga susunod na hakbang upang higit pang mapalalim at mapalawak ang ugnayan ng Pilipinas at Russia at ng ASEAN,” she added.It remains unclear if all the top leaders of the 11-member regional bloc will travel to Kazan, especially after Singapore earlier imposed economic sanctions against Russia for violating several international laws when it invaded Ukraine in 2022. “Binanggit po natin kanina na tayo po kasi ang ASEAN Chair at kailangan po nating pangunahan po ito,” Castro said when asked why Marcos hoped to forge closer ties with a country that is being admonished for its expansionist agenda.“Tutal po ito ay related po sa—at ito’y tinatawag na ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit so kinakailangan po talaga ng Pangulo na magtungo sa nasabing summit,” she said. Meantime, Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin is expected to have a dialogue with Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Marat Ignatyevich Pavlov before Marcos departs for Kazan next week, the Palace said. “There are no details yet but she wants to explore possible options on energy transition and fuel diversification,” Castro said.Russia — the fifth largest economy in Europe — has been relying on its oil and gas exports to bouy its economy.As of 2024, Russia’s total trade with ASEAN is pegged at $18.1 billion, while its foreign direct investment in Southeast Asia is estimated at $65 million, according to data from the ASEAN Secretariat.ASEAN and Russia have been pushing to draft a free trade agreement since 2010, but the document has yet to be finalized despite the Eurasian country’s “Pivot the the East” strategy.

The Philippines seeks to “deepen and broaden” its ties with Russia during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Russia Commemorative Summit next week, Malacañang said on Thursday, ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s trip to Kazan.

The Philippines seeks to “deepen and broaden” its ties with Russia during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Russia Commemorative Summit next week, Malacañang said on Thursday, ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s trip to Kazan.

Despite foreign sanctions vs Moscow, Palace says PH looking to deepen ties with Russia

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Despite foreign sanctions vs Moscow, Palace says PH looking to deepen ties with Russia

Katrina Domingo,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 11, 2026 06:19 PM PHT

Read More:

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Vladimir Putin

Russia

ASEAN

ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit

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