PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev pledged Wednesday, October 2, to sustain the improved relations between the Philippines and Russia.
The two leaders made the vow during their bilateral meeting held in the Russian Prime Minister’s office that is also sometimes called “White House.”
Medvedev, in his opening statement, said his office, which is different from the United States‘ White House, is “a little bit bigger than the White House that we all know and better.”
The Russian leader was ”very glad” to welcome Duterte in Moscow, as he acknowledged the “best” ties between the two nations under Manila’s current administration.
“Speaking about the activities over the last years, our developments have been developing. The development is positive over the last one and a half years,” Medvedev said.
“The trade turnover grows twice and it’s good because you always are advocating the development of trade and economic relations with our country. And our task is to strengthen this trend,” he added.
Duterte, meantime, thanked Medvedev for the “warm” welcome and hospitality extended to him and the Philippine official delegation.
The President expressed gratitude that his first visit to Russia in May 2017 set the foundation for a closer bilateral cooperation between Manila and Moscow.
He also emphasized that over the years, there has been remarkable progress in the two countries’ cooperation in several fields like trade and investment, defense and security, energy, and science and technology.
“We are intent (on) sustaining this momentum. I am confident we’ll succeed as I see strong commitment and will from both sides to bring our relation to an even greater level,” Duterte said.
Medvedev said he was also open to exploring projects aimed at developing transport, energy, and agriculture sectors.
“We are interested to continue realization of various projects, as well as in transport, in energy, in agriculture, and in various humanitarian aspects,” he said.
“During your visit, we’re going to sign important documents for our bilateral relations,” he added.
After meeting Medvedev, Duterte flew to Sochi to meet with Russian Prime Minister Putin.
Duterte on Tuesday, October 1, said his bilateral meeting with Putin would be a chance to raise regional and global developments that impact Manila and Moscow.
Duterte and Putin would also witness the signing of agreements that seek to bolster the two nations’ cooperation on political field, health, science and technology, and culture. (SunStar Philippines)