By NG Seruela
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (April 13) and discussed vaccines, diplomatic relations, and other topics, the Palace said in a statement.
According to Senator Bong Go, the call came through at around 4:20 p.m. and lasted around 30 minutes.
“Both Presidents discussed the global and regional vaccine landscapes, noting that vaccines such as Russia’s Sputnik V must be mobilized to as many countries as possible,” the statement read.
According to the statement, the Philippines has ordered 20 million doses of the Russian vaccine Sputnik V. Both leaders emphasized the importance of “ramping up global production and supplies.”
“President Duterte and President Putin underscored the need for continuing and strengthened collaboration to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Palace said.
The two leaders also “reaffirmed” their commitment to further enhance the cooperation of the Philippines and Russia as the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations will be commemorated this year.
President Putin also pointed out the “positive trajectory” of the relationship of both countries, and welcomed President Duterte’s invitation for him to visit the country “as soon as circumstances allow.”
