President Duterte, Putin vow greater cooperation in exchange of messages
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged congratulatory messages Saturday during the celebration of national holidays in their countries, promising enhanced bilateral relations.
Warmly
congratulating Putin on the celebration of Russia Day, President Duterte said:
“On this day of national unity and celebration, let me convey the Filipino
people’s best wishes for the continued success and prosperity of your great
nation.”
“This
year, the Philippines and Russia mark 45 years of warm and fruitful ties. It
was my great pleasure to have commemorated this special milestone with Your Excellency
on the 2nd of June.”
“I
am confident that our strong relations will continue to thrive in the years
ahead as we deepen cooperation in more areas of mutual interest, including in
our common fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
In
a similar message, President Putin expressed his greetings to the Filipino
leader for the Philippines’s 123rd Independence Day celebration.
“The
Russia-Philippines relations are traditionally friendly. I am confident that by
joining efforts we will secure further development on constructive bilateral
dialogue, fruitful cooperation in different fields as well as partnership to
respond to pressing international challenges,” Putin told President Duterte.
“It
fully meets the interests of our two nations and goes in line with
strengthening security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Concluding
his message, he wished the Philippine president good health and success, and
the people of the Philippines—well-being and prosperity.
Last
April, President Duterte and Putin had a telesummit, tackling the COVID-19
pandemic and defense cooperation between the two countries.
The
30-minute telesummit took place at the MalacaΓ±ang Golf Clubhouse. PND
