Moscow, Russian Federation
September 30, 2019

As President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is set to visit the Russia Federation for the second time, Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation Carlos Sorreta shares that the the visit of the Chief Executive is a renewal of ties between the Philippines and Russia in terms of strengthening key areas of cooperation and mutual benefits.

In an exclusive interview, Ambassador Sorreta said that the most awaited meeting of President Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin shall focus in different areas of cooperation including politics, defense and security, health, culture, and education. He stressed that there are also agreements set to be signed covering the areas of labor, trade, and energy that are all aimed to further boost the partnership of the two nations.

Aside from a meeting with the Russian leader, President Duterte is also expected to meet the business community in Moscow. According to Ambassador Sorreta, the opportunities present shall pave the way for the Philippines’ access to the global market. He said that trade agreements are also lined-up for signing that shall create a demand for Filipino products and services, and added that the said initiatives shall help identify the Philippines as a key player in the international economic arena.

Ambassador Sorreta has been in the Foreign Service since 1990. Prior to his posting in Russia, he was the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York, United States of America (USA) and the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., USA.

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