Vladimir Putin and Ferdinand Marcos made statements for the media

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, ladies and gentlemen,

Mr Ferdinand Marcos, President of the Republic of the Philippines, a country which currently holds the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and I would like to inform you of the results of the Russia - ASEAN Summit, which has just concluded.

Our discussions were productive and constructive, taking place in a friendly and businesslike atmosphere. The summit brought together leaders, heads of government, senior politicians, and government officials from all eleven ASEAN member states, as well as the Secretary-General of the Association. This broad participation clearly reflects the strong mutual interest of Russia and the countries of Southeast Asia in further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, building on longstanding ties of friendship and the extensive experience of a multifaceted and fruitful partnership.

The strategic priorities for future cooperation between Russia and ASEAN are set out in the Kazan Declaration, which was adopted following the summit. In particular, the document reaffirms our shared commitment to building a just and democratic multipolar world order based on the universally recognised principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

The summit also approved the Russia - ASEAN Plan of Action, which outlines practical measures aimed at strengthening political and security cooperation, expanding trade and investment, and building up cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

I will note that we heard many constructive ideas and useful practical suggestions during the summit on stepping up our economic partnership. Participants spoke in favour of stepping up mutual trade, both in terms of quality and quantity, while also improving its structure and expanding mutual capital investment. To deliver on this vision, businesses must switch to national currencies in their financial transactions. We must remove the remaining trade barriers and streamline administrative procedures. All our countries have the potential to achieve this. It is a matter of diversifying our business ties.

Russia is ready to increase exports of high value-added products to ASEAN countries, including fertiliser and medicinal products. Of course, we remain committed to supplying our Asian friends with food products and energy resources, which have been enjoying so much demand.

Our country has been assisting and providing support to states in the region in their effort to develop nuclear energy. Rosatom has unique technology solutions to offer for building power plants in keeping with the highest security and environmental safety standards. Not only can it build nuclear power plants, but also create new civilian nuclear sectors from scratch as turnkey solutions by training specialists for this sector, and sharing its experience and knowledge in nuclear medicine and the application of nuclear technology in other domains, including agriculture, etc.

Russia and ASEAN countries have been doing a lot to strengthen their cooperation in the transport sector. They have been expanding transcontinental shipments by sea and rail, while laying new routes and working together on launching logistics services.

There have been regular consultations on sensitive issues such as combating terrorism, drug trafficking, organised crime, and the safe use of digital technology.

We reaffirm our commitment to working together on promoting cooperation on cybersecurity and ICT. Russia's leading IT companies have been sharing their cutting-edge solutions with their Asian colleagues in data protection, artificial intelligence, smart city technology, etc.

To be continued.