Putin helped the President of the Philippines with simultaneous interpretation in English

On June 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., helped him figure out how to install simultaneous interpretation equipment, using English when explaining.

The situation occurred at the moment when the leaders who arrived in Kazan to participate in the Russia–ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit had just sat down at the table, where they were supposed to have a conversation later.

The Philippine president did not immediately understand how to place the earphone so that it would attach to his ear. Then Putin showed him the correct location of the device, and then, nodding, confirmed in English that Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was doing everything right.

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The leaders' talks are scheduled to take place in Kazan at the Russian Federation–Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit.

Putin arrived in Kazan on the same day. Besides the Philippines, all other ASEAN member states — Brunei, East Timor, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand - will take part in the summit, which the Russian leader will attend.

During the talks with Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Russian President said that this anniversary summit is an important milestone in the development of interstate partnership. At the same time, he noted that the Russian-Philippine trade turnover exceeded the $500 million mark in 2025 and pointed out that Moscow and Manila had opportunities to strengthen cooperation, in particular in the agricultural and energy sectors.