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By APD writer Melo M. Acuña
MANILA – Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his party arrived safely early Wednesday morning at Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport to begin his second state visit to Russia.
Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said President Duterte went to Russia upon the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.
“Our leader views his latest trip as an auspicious opportunity to deepen our ties with the Russian Federation. He further considers this second visit as a good occasion to broaden Philippines-Russia cooperation in a wide range of areas including trade and economics, defense and military, health and science and technology, among others” Secretary Panelo said.
He added under Duterte’s watch, both countries witnessed a dramatic reinvigoration of formal diplomatic relations since diplomatic ties began in June 1976. President Duterte, Secretary Panelo said, hopes to have a robust, comprehensive and mutually-beneficial partnership with Russia under President Putin.
A bilateral meeting will be held between the two leaders as they witness the signing of agreements in Sochi, also the venue of the Valdai International Discussion Club, also known as the Valdai Forum, where President Duterte is expected to share his views on Philippine perspectives on the current world order.
While in Moscow, President Duterte is expected to meet Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev whom he first met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic in September 2016 and later in Manila for the 50th ASEAN Summit in November 2017. He is also expected to talk with leading Russian business leaders in Moscow where he will encourage them to invest in the Philippines. Out of 221 countries, Russia is currently the Philippines’ 21st trading partner, 34th out of 221 export market, and 19th out of 198 import supplier.
President Duterte will also speak about the independent foreign policy before Russia’s future diplomats at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, a standout among Russian universities in international, political, legal and economic studies.
He is also scheduled to talk with the Filipino community in Russia. Official records disclosed there are 6,900 Filipinos in the Russian Federation as of December 2018.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra was appointed government caretaker and Officer-In-Charge since yesterday, October 1 until Sunday, October 6.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
