APD | “We have achieved much,” President Duterte in his visit to the Russian Federation

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

**Manila - **President Rodrigo Duterte reported his visit to the Russian Federation resulted in an agreement to broaden and deepen cooperation from security and defense, trade and investment, agriculture, energy, science and technology and socio-cultural exchanges.

Speaking before the media and top-ranking government officials upon his arrival in Davao City yesterday afternoon, President Duterte said bilateral cooperation agreements on the peaceful uses of energy, scientific research, health, culture and foreign policy consultations were signed.

“We signed bilateral cooperation agreements on the peaceful uses of energy, scientific research, health, culture and foreign policy consultations,” he said.

President Duterte said he addressed the Valdai Discussion Club forum with the King of Jordan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and President Putin.

He said he shared his views on the evolving world order and the need to build partnerships on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect to maintain global peace and stability.

He reported Russia accredited two additional fishery establishments that would allow Filipino fishing companies to export tuna and other products to Russia and the larger market of the Eurasian bloc.

“More than P620 million in business deals were also signed during the Philippines-Russia Business Forum in Moscow. We hope these contracts will generate more jobs and economic opportunities for many Filipinos,” he said. He added the signed agreements were only part of a bigger picture as “the horizon is wide and there is room for significant growth.”

President Duterte said his visit generated greater momentum for the Philippines-Russia relations, “a key element of our thrust to rebalance Philippine foreign policy towards independence, balance and diplomatic agility.” (Melo M. Acuña)

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)