In a telesummit, President Rody Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed the shared commitment to further enhance bilateral ties on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between PH and the Russian Federation.
“The Philippines and Russia have indeed a lot to celebrate. Our cooperation continues to strengthen and gain new momentum,” President Duterte said in his phone conversation with Putin tonight.
Over the last five years, Malacañang said more than 30 agreements have been concluded and key bilateral mechanisms established between PHL and Russia.
President Duterte said that the Philippines will “sustain the current upward trajectory” of the relations by deepening partnership, especially in trade and investment, defense, energy, space, and people-to-people exchanges.
Duterte noted positive developments in the procurement of 16 heavy lift helicopters, adding that the Philippines looks forward to cooperating with Russia to speed up modernization of defense assets and systems.
Duterte also stressed the importance of improving market access of Philippine products to Russia, stating that Philippine companies are ready to export more products to Russia while noting that the Philippines has preferential access to global markets.
Duterte thanked Putin for making Sputnik V available to the PH and reiterated the importance of the expeditious delivery of ordered vaccines. He also conveyed appreciation to the Russian government for the warm hospitality extended to more than 10,000 Filipinos in Russia.
/STC
