The Malacañang Palace has expressed satisfaction over President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s bilateral meeting with Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin where he expressed his pleasure of once again meeting the Russian leader and where he took the occasion to thank the latter for the invitation to attend the Valdai Forum, as well as the warm reception extended to him and his delegation.
According to Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, Duterte told President Putin the remarkable progress of Philippines-Russia relations after he sought the rebalancing of traditional partnerships and the deepening of relations with non-traditional partners at the onset of his Administration.
Panelo said, the president specifically cited a Philippine Navy vessel which sailed to Russia last year – an unprecedented goodwill visit never been done in previous governments. Also, Panelo added that Duterte mentioned the opening of defense attaches in both countries, which is an indication of the long-term commitment to enhance defense relations between the Philippines and Russia.
“The Palace considers this meeting as one of the significant highlights of PRRD’s official trip to Russia, and we look forward to the President’s participation in the subsequent events that will be held both here in Sochi and in Moscow,” Panelo said.
