The Russian government is inviting the Philippines to make a “brief intervention” before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and remind its leadership to remain "impartial" as it elects its new president in June.

Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Marat Pavlov gives a lecture on “The Current State and Perspectives of the Russia-Philippines Relations” held at the Department of Affairs (DFA) office in Pasay City on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Raymund Antonio/MANILA BULLETIN)

The invitation was made by Russian Ambassador to Manila Marat Pavlov on Wednesday, April 23, during the Department of Foreign Affairs-Foreign Service Institute’s (DFA-FSI) Ambassadors’ Lecture Series, a platform for the heads of diplomatic missions in Manila to share knowledge, priorities, and advocacies.

“In this regard, the Russian side would like to invite the Philippine side, and all like-minded and friendly countries, to kindly make a brief intervention during the UNGA Interactive Dialogue on May 15, 2025, and emphasize the importance of the abovementioned principles,” the envoy said in his speech for the lecture entitled “The Current State and Perspectives of the Russia-Philippines Relations” held in Pasay City.

UNGA will elect a new president for its 80th session on June 2, but Russia has raised concerns over the UNGA’s preferential treatment of other states and parties.

“The UNGA President, on Russia’s view, should exercise one’s duties in an impartial manner, as required by the UNGA rules of procedure,” Pavlov said.

“Particularly, the UNGA President should observe the highest standards of ethical conduct, avoid giving unwarranted preferential treatment to any state or taking a preferential, biased or prejudged approach, protect against conflict of interest, refrain from receiving or accepting instructions from any individual, governmental or non-governmental organization or group,” the envoy added.

These provisions, he reiterated, are stipulated under the relevant Code of Ethics, with the UNGA president obliged to observe the rules pursuant to UNGA Resolution 70/305 of Sept. 13, 2016.

Meanwhile, Pavlov also recognized the Philippines’ “influence” as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which it will chair in 2026.

With high-level delegations, including from Russia, expected to arrive in Manila next year, the ambassador said this will “contribute to enhancing our cooperation in different fields of the agenda of the Philippine chairmanship.”

He also took note of the current discussions for the new Russia-ASEAN Comprehensive Plan of Action for the period 2026-2030, which he believed will soon be “approved.”

“It is symbolic that this document will enter into operation right under the Philippines’ chairmanship in the Association. When I came to the Philippines four years ago, one of the first words I learned, was ‘bayanihan spirit’. I was explained the meaning of this expression, which is very simple: to work together for the common goal,” Pavlov said.

“I hope that our nations, who are celebrating next year the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, will continue working together for the common goal of enhancing our cooperation and building on our friendship,” he added.

The Philippines will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its diplomatic relations on June 2. The “landmark political decision” to build ties with Russia, the envoy noted, was taken by President Marcos’ father and namesake, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

“Even back then, the Philippine leadership acknowledged that differences in socio-political systems were not an obstacle to successful and effective cooperation,” he said.