MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Russia early Wednesday morning to kick off his weeklong visit in the country upon the invitation of its leader Vladimir Putin.
Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Amelita Aquino said Duterte and Putin are scheduled to have a talk, the two leader’s fourth since November 2016.
“They will discuss the state of our bilateral relations and how both sides can further enhance and expand our cooperation in various areas. They will also exchange views on regional and global developments and other issues,” Aquino said.
She added that a number of bilateral agreements are set to be signed during Duterte’s visit to Russia cover the areas of culture, health, and basic research. She, however, refused to detail the agreements.
President Duterte will also join other leaders in the forum of the Valdai Discussion Club, where he is expected to deliver a speech on the theme “The World Order Seen From the East.”
“(Duterte) is expected to give his perspective or vision of the world order as it emerging right now and how this relates to Philippine foreign policy,” said Chief of Presidential Protocol Robert Eric Borje.
Duterte is also scheduled to address the Philippines-Russia Business Forum to promote increased trade and investment flows. The forum will also serve as a venue for networking between Russian and Filipino businessmen.
President Duterte has first visited Russia in May 2017 but he was forced to return home due to the deadly clashes between government troops and Islamic State-linked militants in Marawi City./PN
