(Eagle News) — Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev expressed willingness to “expand (Russian) ties” with the Philippines, noting that a “new chapter” in the relationship between two countries has already been opened.
In bilateral talks held on Monday night, Medvedev said that such ties could expand to include the areas of culture, politics, trade, business, among others.
Duterte said in the aspect of trade, the Philippine government has plans of organizing a trade event that would showcase Filipino products in Moscow.
As for business, an agreement was already signed between Filipino company Global Ferronickels Holdings, Inc. and Russian company V Holding LLC during the talks.
The agreement was apart from those signed in the aspects of education, among others.
As it is, Russia-Philippines’ ties are limited to defense, with Russia providing the Asian country with military equipment that helped the Philippine government win the war against the terrorists in Marawi.
“We were able to use the rifles and arms you gave us in kind and because it was a sniper model that hit one of those commanders, a certain Malaysian Mohamad, I forgot his entire name,” Duterte told Medvedev.
He was referring to Malaysian terrorist Mahmud Ahmad, who was killed days after terrorist leaders Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon were neutralized.
“…We’ll keep assisting you in this very important and sensitive theme and along this track of fight against terrorism in the course like bringing or restoring law and order,” Medvedev said.
