Headline
PH, Russia affirm ‘solid’ cooperation
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. described the relationship as “one of greatest warm and sincerest friendship.” (File Photo: Teddy Locsin Jr./Twitter)
MANILA — The Philippines and Russia affirmed their commitment to strengthen their collaboration not only in defense but also in trade, investment, and socio-cultural ties.
The two countries celebrated their strong bilateral relations during the commemoration of the Day of Russia in Makati City on Friday.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. described the relationship as “one of greatest warm and sincerest friendship.”
“(In) the coming years, we will continue to enhance collaboration between our government agencies and expand trade and investment flows and encourage people-to-people exchanges,” Locsin said in his speech during the program.
Locsin said the two countries’ cooperation goes beyond defense to trade.
He welcomed the accreditation of fishery companies to export Philippine fish products to Russia, which could also open opportunities to penetrate other Eurasian markets.
“We demonstrate our firm commitment to forge stronger ties with Russia, which is by virtue of geography and their instinctive affection between our peoples and natural and logical ally,” he added.
Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev said the relationship between the two countries “has achieved a new level.”
“A level of solid partnership. We look forward to the future to increase the potential from the development of our ties and more productive engagements that would benefit our two nations,” he said.
“I have a strong feeling that our relations have a bright future. We the Russians and Filipinos, we have a lot in common,” Khovaev said.
He said that Russia and the Philippines share the goals of peace, security, and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Khovaev said he wants both countries to create “a new, more equitable, more predictable and more secure world based on the international laws.” (PCOO)
