‘With Rody visit comes reshaping of Russian image’

MOSCOW – An evil scientist. An attractive assassin. A master of torture.

These were among the portrayals of Russians in American movies that many Filipinos grew up watching.

But the Philippine government is hopeful that President Duterte’s visit would correct the misconceptions and eventually lead to the development of a mutually beneficial relationship.

“There’s been a lot of stereotypes in the Philippines and I don’t really blame them. I mean, growing up watching James Bond movies, the villains were either an evil Russian scientist or some beautiful nubile Russian assassin,” Philippine Ambassador Carlos Sorreta told reporters yesterday.

“So, there’s heavy influence in culture but the reality is we have not had a deeper exchange with Russia even though we’ve had good relations, we’re 40 years. And that’s going to change,” he added.

Duterte is here for a four-day official visit that seeks to strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and Russia, which officials have described as “nascent” even if it is more than four decades old.

The Philippines established diplomatic ties with the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on June 2, 1976.

Duterte is expected to meet Russia President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to discuss political, military and economic cooperation and to encourage Russian firms to invest in the Philippines.

Sorreta said the timing of Duterte’s visit is good, noting that it came at a time when the Philippines is pursuing new partnerships and Russia is heading east.

Last year, Duterte announced his separation from the US – the traditional ally of the Philippines – to pursue what he called an independent foreign policy, making the announcement after some US officials criticized his brutal war on illegal drugs.