Presidents Rodrigo Duterte and Vladimir Putin will discuss the state of the Philippines-Russia bilateral relations and how they can enhance and expand cooperation in various areas.

The Philippines and Russia are expected to seal several bilateral agreements when President Rodrigo Duterte embarks on a five-day visit to the Eastern European country next week.

In a pre-departure briefing, Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Amelita Aquino said President Duterte and President Vladimir Putin will witness the exchange of several bilateral agreements that cover cooperation on culture, health, and basic research.

“The highlight of the trip will be the President’s bilateral meeting with President Putin where they will discuss the state of our bilateral relations and how both sides can further enhance and expand our cooperation in various areas,” Aquino told reporters.

“They will also exchange views on regional and global developments and other issues.”

The President’s trip to Russia from 1 to 5 October will be his second visit to the country after May 2017, which was cut short by the conflict in Marawi City.

This will be the fourth meeting of the two Presidents. They first met in November 2016 on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Peru. After President Duterte’s visit to Russia in May 2017, they met again on November 2017 during the APEC Summit in Da Nang, Vietnam.

President Duterte will visit the cities of Sochi and Moscow.

In Sochi, the President, along with President Putin and other invited leaders, will speak during the Plenary Session of the Valdai Forum on 3 October.

“The World Order Seen From the East” is this year’s theme.

The forum is organized by the Valdai Discussion Club, one of Russia’s prominent and respected think tanks and discussion groups. Top Russian and international officials, as well as policymakers, academics, and journalists gather at the annual Valdai Forum.

Part of the President’s itinerary in Moscow will be his attendance in the Philippines-Russia Business Forum aimed at promoting the trade and investment opportunities between the Philippines and Russia. The forum serves as a venue for networking between Russian and Filipino businessmen.

Another activity is a brief lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, one of Russia’s most prestigious and leading institutions on diplomacy and international affairs.

A meeting with the Filipino community caps the President’s state visit. The Bayanihan Dance Company and the Philippine Madrigal Singers will perform.

There are an estimated 7,000 Filipinos in Russia, mostly women, engaged in the service sector, according to Aquino.

Aquino said that although the President’s first visit was short, it provided momentum for stronger ties and more engagements between the Philippines and Russia.

Russia provided military hardware to the Philippine military while it was battling the ISIS-linked Maute Group in Mindanao, aiding Filipino security forces with crucial support to defeat the extremists, the President said then.

While the members of the President’s official delegation are still being finalized, Aquino said the secretaries of the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Trade and Industry and National Defense will join the trip. (PND)