The Philippines and Russia vowed to strengthen their bilateral ties as they greeted each other during the celebration of their national holidays last weekend.
In his letter to President Rodrigo Duterte, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the Philippines as it commemorated the 123rd anniversary of its independence and described the relations between Manila and Moscow as “traditionally friendly.”
President Putin added, “It fully meets the interests of our two nations and goes in line with strengthening security and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region. I sincerely wish you good health and every success, and to the people of the Philippines well being and prosperity,”.
In a previous occasion last June, Malacañang made public Duterte’s message for the celebration of Russia Day.
Duterte noted that the Philippines and Russia had marked 45 years of “warm and fruitful ties” this year. “It was my great pleasure to have commemorated this special milestone with Your Excellency on the 2nd of June,” the Philippine leader said.
Last April, Duterte and Putin discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and defense cooperation during a 30-minute phone conversation. Earlier this month, the two leaders held another telesummit to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between their countries.A Malacañang statement issued after the teleconference said Putin has vowed to increase the volume of deliveries of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines.
With additional reports – The Philippine Star, Alexis Romero
Image Sources: independent.co.uk, timesofisrael.com
