Putin, Duterte say ready to expand Russian-Philippine cooperation

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte expressed on Thursday common readiness to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Philippine's President Rodrigo Duterte prior to their meeting at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on October 3, 2019. [Photo: AFP]

"The Philippines is an important partner of Russia in Asia. Bilateral cooperation is constructive and mutually beneficial," Putin said at a meeting with Duterte in Russia's Black Sea resort city of Sochi.

Russian companies are ready to increase deliveries to the Philippines of energy resources, aircraft, transport and special equipment, Putin told Duterte, according to a Kremlin transcript of their conversation.

Russia is interested in cooperation with the Philippines in the fields of peaceful use of nuclear energy, space exploration and the digital technology, Putin said, adding that Moscow is also willing to share its counter-terrorism experience and practices.

"Today I am here to confirm our commitments to build a multifaceted and strong partnership with the Russian Federation," Duterte said.

According to him, the two countries have increased cooperation between the governments over the past two years and promoted many projects in defense, security and military-technical areas.

The Philippines and Russia have established a high-level advisory mechanism between the foreign ministries, the national security councils and the economic ministries, he said.

"It is imperative to maintain this constructive dialogue and to further strengthen it in order to create a reliable basis for the development of our relations," Duterte said.