Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Davao City
October 6, 2019

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte expressed optimism on the Philippines’ improving bilateral ties with the Russian Federation as he arrived at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport (FBIA) in Davao City following his successful five-day Official Visit to the said country.

In his arrival statement, the President reported that during his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, mutual cooperation was secured with Russia on key areas including security and defense, trade and investment, agriculture, energy, science and technology, and socio-cultural exchanges.

“These areas are important and therefore part of our comprehensive roadmap to build a partnership with a friend and to secure the Philippines’ strategic interests,” he said.

President Duterte also mentioned that more than PhP620 million in business deals were also signed during the Philippines-Russia Business Forum in Moscow. He stressed that this achievement shall generate more jobs and other economic opportunities for the Filipinos.

“The gains we have made in this visit bring us a step closer to our objective of a stable, comfortable, and secure life for all Filipinos. That is my vision for and bounden duty to the nation and I will do everything to achieve that — towards that end,” the Chief Executive underscored.

The President also met the Filipino community in Russia. He expressed his appreciation for their “contribution to the socio-economic development of our country.”

This is the second visit of President Duterte to Russia upon the invitation Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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