Independent policy in full bloom

The President’s second trip to Russia is part of the independent foreign policy course he chartered.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s second trip to Russia proved that the independent foreign policy that his critics have tried to belittle works as Filipinos have attained huge benefits, the Palace said yesterday.

In a statement released following President Rodrigo Duterte and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev’s face-to-face, Malacañang cited the stronger bond both states share “particularly in defense and military-technical, trade and economic, as well as socio-cultural and education cooperation.”

“The President’s second trip to Russia is part of the independent foreign policy course he chartered, which aims to establish a robust, comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership with many countries, apart from our traditional allies,” the President’s spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

“The partnership is founded on shared interests, sovereign equality and pragmatism. He told the Prime Minister that his visit to Russia will cement the improved relations between the two countries,” added the Palace official.

Sustaining the closer bilateral ties existing between the Philippines and Russia was the focal point of discussion, he stated.

“President Duterte in the same occasion extended his appreciation to the government and people of Russia for the hospitality and good treatment they have extended to our nationals living and residing in Russia,” Panelo relayed.

“In 2017, during my first visit to Russia, we successfully set the foundation for a closer bilateral cooperation. Since then, we have seen the remarkable progress in our engagement including in such strategic areas as defense and security,” the Chief Executive said in his opening remarks during the meeting.

One such event in the Philippines-Russia defense cooperation is the port call of BRP Tarlac in Vladivostok in 2018, the first ever for a Philippine Navy ship, which the President said was “a historic milestone that demonstrates closer ties between the two countries.”

“I am confident we’ll succeed as I see strong commitment and will from both sides to bring our relation to an even greater level,” expressed Mr. Duterte.

The bilateral meeting took place last Wednesday evening (Manila time) at the Prime Minister’s Office, also called the “Russian White House.”

In response, Medvedev expressed elation over the “positive developments” between both countries since the shortened visit in 2017.