MALACAÑANG on Wednesday, October 2, was optimistic that President Rodrigo Duterte’s five-day official visit to Russia would further boost the bilateral relationship between Manila and Moscow.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte’s trip to Russia intends to improve the two nations’ economy, defense capabilities, health measures, and science and technology.
“President Duterte went to Russia upon the invitation of President Vladimir Putin and our leader views his latest trip as an auspicious opportunity to deepen our ties with the Russian Federation,” Panelo said in a statement.
“He further considers this second visit as a good occasion to broaden Philippines-Russia cooperation in a wide range of areas, such as trade and economics, defense and military, health, and science and technology, among others,” he added.
For the second time, Duterte flew to Moscow upon the invitation of Putin.
Duterte arrived at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow on Wednesday morning (Manila time).
Panelo noted that under Duterte’s watch, there was a “dramatic” renewal of formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia. Diplomatic ties between the two countries were established in June 1976.
The Palace official said Duterte is expected to have a “full-packed” schedule of activities in Russia.
“The President hopes to have a robust, comprehensive and mutually-beneficial partnership with Russia under President Putin whom our Chief Executive fondly calls his favorite hero,” Panelo said.
The two leaders were scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting and witness the signing of agreements in Sochi.
Duterte will also grace the forum of the Valdai International Discussion Club to articulate his views on Philippine perspectives of the current world order.
The President's schedule further includes: a bilateral meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow; meeting with the Filipino community in Russia to thank them for their support; and interaction with top Russian business leaders in Moscow to encourage them to invest in the Philippines.
Russia is currently the Philippines’ 21st out of 221 trading partner, 34th out of 221 export market, and 19th out of 198 import supplier, Panelo said.
Panelo emphasized that Duterte, as the chief architect of the Philippines’ foreign policy, would likewise speak about his administration’s independent foreign policy when he visits Moscow State Institute of International Relations, one of the leading Russian universities for international, political, legal and economic studies.
To ensure smooth operations of the executive department, Duterte assigned Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra as government caretaker and Officer-in-Charge from October 1 to 6. (SunStar Philippines)