Russian Ambassador Speaks at Foreign Service Institute
Ambassador Marat Pavlov of the Russian Federation delivers his lecture at the Ambassadors’ Lecture Series.
MANILA 02 May 2025 — On 23 April 2025, the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) conducted its 12th Ambassadors’ Lecture Series (ALS) at the temporary headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Pasay. The lecture, entitled “The Current State and Perspective of the Russian-Philippines Relations,” featured the Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Marat Pavlov.
Ambassador Pavlov noted the celebration next year of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia. He highlighted the rich historical background of the Philippines-Russia relations. Ambassador Pavlov stated, “Even back then, the Philippine leadership acknowledged that differences in socio-political systems were not an obstacle to successful and effective cooperation.”
Ambassador Pavlov provided an update on the status of the economic and trade relations of the two countries, recognizing that challenges relating their further development are surmountable. He identified meat products and nuclear energy as some of the areas Russia is keen to promote in the Philippines.
The Russian Ambassador also highlighted cultural similarities between the Philippines and Russia, particularly their shared appreciation for music and dance—especially ballet—and expressed hope for a collaboration between dancers from both countries.
Additionally, Ambassador Pavlov addressed the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN leadership in 2026, acknowledging its potential to strengthen cooperation across various agenda areas. He also mentioned that discussions are currently underway for a new Russian-ASEAN Comprehensive Plan of Action for 2026–2030, which is expected to be approved soon. He viewed the plan’s adoption at the time when the Philippines was leading ASEAN as symbolic.
The FSI launched the ALS as a platform for heads of diplomatic missions in the Philippines to share their knowledge, priorities, and advocacy.
FSI is the training and research agency attached to DFA. It was created under Presidential Decree No. 1060 and its remit was expanded by Republic Act No. 7157. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs chairs the FSI Board with the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Director General of FSI, President of the University of the Philippines (UP), and President of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) as members. END
Ambassador Marat Pavlov of the Russian Federation responded to questions from the audience during the Ambassadors’ Lecture Series.
FSI Director General Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III presents a certificate of appreciation to Ambassador Marat Pavlov after the lecture.
Ambassador Pavlov and FSI Director General Fernandez are joined by senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions in Manila.