Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Rodrigo Duterte exchanged warm greetings on the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states.

According to the Kremlin press service, prior to the telephone conversation between the two leaders on June 2, Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to Duterte which read, in part: “Over the past decades, Russia and the Philippines have accumulated experience. substantial constructive bilateral cooperation in various fields, as well as fruitful cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and other international organizations.

“I am convinced that by building on these good traditions, we will ensure the further development of the full range of Russian-Philippine relations. This undoubtedly meets the interests of our friendly nations and is compatible with strengthening security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, ”the message added.

In the same phone call, the two heads of state also expressed their appreciation for the high level of bilateral cooperation reached by the two countries in these difficult times.

As such, mutual interest has been reaffirmed “in the continued efforts to expand interaction in various fields, including the implementation of joint projects in the fields of energy, agriculture, transport, humanitarian aid and others ”.

It was also agreed that the two countries will continue to coordinate their efforts on the international stage, mainly at the United Nations.

In discussing the joint fight against the spread of the coronavirus infection, the presidents “focused on delivering Russian vaccines to the Philippines.”