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Diplomatic relations with Russia started four decades ago but President Rodrigo Duterte said the doors of cooperation have only opened “ever so slightly.”
“There is much room to develop mutually beneficial cooperation. There are many opportunities that needed to be explored,” Duterte said during his departure speech at the Davao International Airport.
READ: Duterte: Russia trip to strengthen PH independent foreign policy
“Now we can work together to open those doors even wider,” he said after discussing how he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to give “a much needed boost” to the two countries’ bilateral relations.
“Russia must cease to be at the margins of Philippine diplomacy. Over-dependence on traditional partners has limited our room to maneuver in a very dynamic international arena,” he said, alluding to the Philippines’ alliance with the United States, which has complicated relations with Russia and China.
“This is a strategic oversight that has led to many missed opportunities for our country. I am determined to correct this,” Duterte said.
Duterte said his visit “underscores the independence of the Philippines’ foreign policy and the firm resolve to broaden the horizons of friendship and cooperation with other nations.”
He emphasized that “Russia is a country that we must work with,” pointing out that there are opportunities that cannot be ignored.
“With its geographic footprint in the Asia-Pacific region and its strategic interests in the region, a positive engagement is required to find areas of synergies in interests,” he said.
Duterte said he is bringing with him leaders of Congress and members of his Cabinet. “It is a high-level delegation, befitting the level of importance my government places on writing of a new chapter of Philippines–Russia relationship.”
Duterte has met Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev previously. He said his visit to Russia is “most anticipated, having been a product of [his] previous meetings” with the two leaders. JPV/rga