President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Russia to make strategic choices to strengthen their long-term relationship as both sides marked the 35th anniversary of their dialogue partnership on Thursday.
Speaking at the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, President Marcos Jr. stated that the milestone should serve as a catalyst for renewed action and future planning rather than just a celebration of history.
“Your Majesty, Excellencies, colleagues, guided by our chair-ship theme, navigating our future together, the Philippines approaches this summit not just as a ceremony of commemoration but as a renewed call to action,” Marcos said in his remarks.
“Thirty-five years is a foundation. What we build on it is our choice and our responsibility. Let us choose well,” he added.
The President emphasized that core values such as mutual respect, sovereign equality, and peaceful cooperation outlined in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation are vital to addressing modern global issues.
“They are not merely historical anchors. They are active guides for the work still before us,” he said.
Focus on Regional Security
Amid escalating global uncertainties, Marcos Jr. pushed for stronger political and defense cooperation between the regional bloc and Russia to maintain peace and stability.
“In an era of deepening geopolitical uncertainty, the value of steady political and security engagement between ASEAN and Russia cannot be overstated,” he said.
He noted that cross-border threats like terrorism, smuggling, cybercrime, and digital scams demand unified action.
“We must strengthen practical cooperation on maritime security and counterterrorism, reinforce our collective resilience in cyberspace, and develop the institutional habits of anticipation rather than mere reaction,” he said.
Boosting Trade and Connections
The President also pressed for expanded economic collaboration, noting that trade and investment between the two regions still have significant room for growth.
He highlighted the need to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enter emerging industries, and secure food and energy supplies.
“We must be more deliberate and more ambitious in expanding economic opportunities, improving trade facilitation, deepening investment flows, and connecting our business communities,” Marcos said.
Finally, Marcos underscored that cultural diplomacy, tourism, and education are the true foundation of the partnership, urging leaders to involve the younger generation directly.
“These are not peripheral to our relationship, they are at its living core,” Marcos said.
“The connections forged between our peoples outlast any summit declaration and carry our partnership forward in ways that policy alone cannot do,” he added.
“We must continue to invest in these bonds, placing our youth not merely at the receiving end of this cooperation, but at its center, as the generation that will ultimately decide what ASEAN-Russia relations will become,” he said.