PRRD to speak about PH view on world order during Russia trip

FILE: President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin (Presidential Photo via PNA)

MANILA — Aside from a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s visit to Sochi will feature a speaking engagement at the prominent Valdai Forum where he will share Manila’s view on the emerging world order.

This was revealed by Presidential Protocol Chief Robert Borje during a pre-departure briefing in Malacañang Friday.

The chief executive is set to visit the cities of Sochi and Moscow in Russia on October 1 to 5 upon the invitation of Putin.

On October 3, he will be speaking along with other world leaders at the plenary session of the Valdai Forum with the theme “The World Order Seen From the East”.

“He is expected to give his perspective and vision of the world order as it is emerging right now and how this relates to the Philippine foreign policy,” Borje said.

During the speaking engagement, Borje added the chief executive may also include in his statement an explanation of the country’s independent foreign policy.

“Since he will be talking to specific groups, particularly intellectuals, academe, and journalists from Russia, then he’s expected to also provide an overview of how important Philippine-Russia relations are at this point,” he said.

Duterte will also meet with the Filipino community and give a lecture at the Moscow State of International Relations, two activities he was not able to conduct in his 2017 Russia trip which was cut short due to brewing conflict in Marawi City.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Amelita Aquino declined to disclose additional details about the bilateral agreements expected to be signed during Duterte’s visit.

But she said the general scope would be on health, basic research, and culture.

On a labor deal, Aquino said the government has always sought an agreement that will provide a legal framework for Filipinos in Russia.

“It’s still under negotiation but we do want an agreement that will give a legal framework for their stay in Russia. There are still discussions going on,” she said.

At present, there are around 6,900 Filipinos in Russia.