As scheduled, Duterte will meet RussianPresident Vladimir Putin on May 25 to discuss bilateral links across politics,economy-trade, culture and humanity as well as regional and global issues,focusing on ensuring security and stability in Asia-Pacific.
Both sides will issue a jointstatement and sign a number of agreements on cooperation in nationaldefence-security, judicial assistance, trade and investment, nuclear energy andculture. They plan to extend discussions on coping with security challenges.
According to Philippine AssistantSecretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Kleofe Natividad said the Philippines andRussia will enhance military coordination, firstly opening defence attachéoffices in respective embassies in Moscow and Manila in order to increasepartnerships in traditional and non-traditional issues such as fighting terrorismand drug smuggling.
The Philippines and Russiaestablished diplomatic ties 41 years ago. However, two-way trade remainsmodest, standing at 226 million USD in 2016.-VNA