ILOILO City – Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev proposed holding a Russian Film Festival in the city next month.
He also seemed keen on bringing in investors, according to Mayor Jose Espinosa III.
The Russian official is here for the Agri-Aqua Investment Forum of the Panay Organic Producers Association, Inc. at the Iloilo Convention Center from Nov. 7 to 9.
He has also visited the city in January for the Dinagyang Festival.
Espinosa has been discussing with the diplomat possible trade, cultural and heritage exchanges.
“It’s more of exploratory talks but they are pushing, this one in December, for a film festival,” Espinosa said Thursday.
In particular the ambassador would like to bring in films that focus on children, said the city chief executive.
In addition, the Russian envoy wants to explore investment areas as he mentioned possible trade missions, the mayor added.
Espinosa said he urged the ambassador to encourage Russian tourists to include this city in their destinations.
“Every January it’s very cold in Russia so they may consider coming to Iloilo during the Dinagyang,” said the mayor.
Meanwhile Espinosa said has learned that the department-in-charge of the Russian navy has approved to make Iloilo as its port of call when they visit the Philippines next year. (PNA)
