By NG Seruela
Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed their shared commitment to further enhance the countries’ bilateral relations in a call on Wednesday (June 2).
On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia, President Duterte said there is “a lot to celebrate” since the countries’ cooperation “continues to strengthen and gain new momentum.”
He assured that the Philippines will “sustain the current upward trajectory” of their relations by deepening partnership, particularly in “trade and investment, defense, energy, space, and people-to-people exchanges.”
President Duterte said Philippine companies are prepared to export more and emphasized the significance of improving market access of Philippine products to Russia.
He thanked the Russian leader for making the Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V available to the Philippines and for the “warm hospitality” Russia has extended to more than 10,000 Filipinos living there.
For his part, President Putin said the Philippines is a “key partner in Southeast Asia with Russia” and that the Philippines shares “similar positions on many regional and international issues, allowing for tighter cooperation in key platforms in the future.”
President Putin highlighted Russia’s preparedness to further enhance bilateral engagement in various matters, such as COVID-19 vaccine access, trade and investments, energy, infrastructure development, defense, and military-technical cooperation.
He also claimed that Russia will increase the volume of Sputnik V vaccine deliveries to the Philippines.
He also assured that Russia is ready to import more Philippine agricultural products, support transportation infrastructure projects, help build the country’s renewable energy facilities, and supply military equipment.
Over 30 agreements have been concluded and key bilateral mechanisms established between the two countries over the last five years. – jlo
