MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin had an “open and productive” talk about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines and the fight against the pandemic, Palace said.
During the 30-minute teleconference on Tuesday night, both leaders “reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhance cooperation” and pledged to cooperate in the battle against COVID-19.
“President Duterte and President Putin underscored the need for continuing and strengthened collaboration to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic,” Palace said on Wednesday.
Duterte and Putin talked about the global and regional COVID-19 vaccine landscapes. Both agreed that Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine should be made available in as many countries as possible.
The country has secured 20 million doses of the Sputnik V vaccine, with 500,000 doses of it will be arriving in the country this month.
Both leaders also tackled the steady progress in defense and security cooperation between the two countries, fostered by regular exchanges between defense, intelligence, and military agencies.
“President Putin highlighted the positive trajectory of Russia-Philippines relations and emphasized the many opportunities for greater cooperation in the fields of trade and investments, agriculture and energy development even as both countries work on further enhancing political-security cooperation,” Palace added.
The President concluded the discussion by inviting the Russian leader to visit the country, which the latter welcomed./PN
