Swissôtel Lima, Peru
November 19, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte held a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation at the Swissôtel Lima in Peru.

During the meeting, President Duterte relayed several historical issues and personal views he had against the United States of America (USA), explaining why he finds it necessary for the Philippines to pursue an independent foreign policy.

The President, referring to the long years of Philippine-American relationship said, “It was good until it lasted. And of late, I see a lot of these western nations bullying small nations. And not only that, they are into so much hypocrisy.”

The President went on explaining that the USA had incited so many wars in different parts of the world and had forced the Philippines to contribute in these military warfare.

In a press statement, Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said, “It is very important for everybody to make sure that in order for them to successfully move forward, in forging a brighter future for the country, they must learn from the mistakes in the past… and I think the President conveyed this message quite clear to the President of Russia, President Putin.”

President Putin also formally extended his invitation for President Duterte to visit Russia next year in the hopes of forging stronger trade relations with each other.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Russian Federation.

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