Marcos to pursue energy, nuclear deals with Russia

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will seek to deepen cooperation on energy and food security with Russia, including possible nuclear energy collaboration, during a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir V. Putin on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan this week.

- By Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier M. Imperial said Mr. Marcos would meet Mr. Putin to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations and discuss areas of mutual interest.

“The discussions will center on the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia,” he told a news briefing on Monday.

The Philippines, which heads the ASEAN this year, will co-chair the June 17-18 summit with Russia. The trip marks Mr. Marcos’ first visit to the Russian Federation since taking office in 2022.

Mr. Imperial said the bilateral meeting would also cover food and energy security, areas that Manila has flagged as priorities.

“The meeting will likewise provide an opportunity to explore ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest particularly energy security and food security,” he said.