President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said his visit to Russia resulted in agreements to broaden cooperation in the areas of security and defense, trade and investment, agriculture, energy, science and technology and sociocultural exchanges.
Speaking before the media and government officials upon his arrival in Davao City, 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 leaders of Jordan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, as well as Russian President Vladimir 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 also said 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.
President Duterte said his visit generated greater momentum for Philippines-Russia relations, “a key element of our thrust to rebalance Philippine foreign policy towards independence, balance and diplomatic agility.” (Melo M. Acuña)