Russian envoy invites Isko in exchange program

I am convinced that Manila and Moscow have many common problems and an exchange of experiences would be very helpful

Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev has invited Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso for an exchange program in Russia.

During his courtesy visit to the Manila mayor on Tuesday, the Russian diplomat expressed strong interest in gaining knowledge from the Philippines in solving problems, which are also being experienced by Russia.

“I am convinced that Manila and Moscow have many common problems and an exchange of experiences would be very helpful,” the envoy said.

Khovaev said it will be a great opportunity and highly beneficial for Domagoso to pay a visit to Russia to see common problems of both countries.

“It’s time to go to Russia. You will see that we Russians and Filipinos have a lot in common,” he said.

For his part, Domagoso has optimistically accepted the invitation.

“I love to go. It is an opportunity for the people of Manila to learn something,” the Manila mayor said.

Domagoso is scheduled to travel to Moscow in October to meet with local Russian officials to discuss issues including local governance, traffic management and energy efficiency solutions.

Moreover, Khovaev also invited the mayor to send a delegation of educators and students to Moscow later this month to participate in the International Olympiad of Metropolises.

The Olympiad of Metropolises is an international team competition, which is held in Moscow every year at the initiative of the Moscow city mayor. Its participants are 14- to 18-year old students, who live in the biggest metropolises of the world. The first Olympiad took place in 2016 and it was attended by 173 students from 22 cities.

A team of eight participants represents each city. They are to show their knowledge of physics, chemistry, mathematics and informatics.