Russian envoy meets with Duterte

DAVAO CITY – Russia’s envoy to the Philippines on Wednesday met with presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte and cited the need to boost the bilateral ties between their two countries.

Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev said his meeting with Duterte was “productive” even as they tackled ways to develop the relationship between Manila and Moscow. 

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“I’m happy to say that we made one joint conclusion. It's time to enhance to greatly promote our bilateral cooperation in different fields. It’s time for the Russians to discover the Philippines and vice versa. It’s time for the Filipinos to discover the Russians,” Khovaev said in a press briefing  here.

“Our two countries have a great potential for cooperation in many many fields,” he added.

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Khovaev said the two countries can work together in the fields of trade and economic cooperation, security, education, science, and culture.

“Our relationship is really friendly. We have a positive legacy of bilateral cooperation. We have no disputes, no political contradictions or differences,” the envoy said.

“What’s needed now is develop cooperation in practical terms, to elaborate and implement specific concrete projects in different fields,” he added.

READ: EU looks forward to working with Duterte

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