Energy, food security top agenda in PBBM-Putin bilateral meeting — DFA

ENERGY and food security will be the highlight of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit this week in Kazan, Russia, a foreign affairs official said on Monday. “The meeting will most likely focus on food security and energy security – that is mutually important for both countries, for the Philippines and Russia,” Deputy Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Dominic Xavier Imperial said in a Palace press briefing. “And, they will also discuss, among others, some very important regional international issues that both would consider important for the relationship. And, again, I would go back to the impact of the Middle East on energy security and food security, so I think that would be the highlight of this meeting.” President Marcos said in March that the government would continue to seek other sources of petroleum products after the country began to feel the effects of the US-Iran conflict. Also part of the agenda will be the deepening of the relations between Russia and the Philippines, particularly on people-to-people, tourism, education, cultural cooperation, as well as science and technology. “So, these areas will be discussed or will play a part in the bilateral meeting between the two leaders,” said Imperial, who is also the spokesperson of ASEAN 2026. As to the possible agreement on oil, fuel diversification, nuclear or renewable energy cooperation, the DFA official said he does not want to preempt the results of the President’s bilateral meeting with Putin and the summit, noting, however, that what is important is that both leaders are able to sit down and discuss priority areas. President Marcos’ attendance at the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit is significant for the Philippines as it marks the chief executive’s first visit to the Russian Federation as president, Imperial said, noting it also coincides with the 50th anniversary of Philippines-Russia diplomatic relations this year.