Duterte’s meeting with Putin’s top adviser set in Davao City

President Duterte was set to meet yesterday afternoon with Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev in Davao City.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said there was no agenda for the scheduled meeting between Duterte and Patrushev called it simply a courtesy call on the President.

Patrushev, a close friend and top adviser of Russian President Vladimir Putin, served as the director of the Russian Federal Security Service for almost nine years before assuming office as secretary of the Security Council in 2008.

The Security Council of Russian is a consultative body of the President that works out his decisions on national security affairs.

Duterte has previously expressed his desire to improve the country’s relationship with Russia following angry outbursts against the United States.

Last December, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow to discuss the bilateral relations and enhance cooperation of the two nations in several areas.

They also agreed to prepare for Duterte’s proposed visit to Russia in April this year.

Last months Duterte expressed his desire for Moscow to become the country’s ally and protector as he toured a Russian warship which visited Manila.

A Pulse Asia survey published last month also revealed that more Filipinos are now backing Duterte’s move to strengthen ties with Russia and China.