ASEAN-RUSSIA MEET.DFA Assistant Secretary for Asean Affairs Daniel Espiritu represents the Philippines at the 18th Asean-Russia Senior Officials' Meeting. The Philippines co-led with Singapore the discussions on Asean-Russia economic cooperation at the 18th ARSOM via video conference.(Photo courtesy of DFA/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia) MANILA-The Philippine government called anew for a de-escalation in the Ukraine war and for parties to exert all efforts to cease hostilities. The call was made during the virtual 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-Russia Senior Official Meeting (ARSOM) on May 23, where the 10-member bloc and Moscow discussed economic cooperation. Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asean Affairs Daniel Espiritu urged all parties to continue "serious dialogue and diplomacy" to settle disputes and allow safe access to humanitarian assistance in Ukraine. Based on the latest data from the United Nations, at least 3,998 have been k