Stronger PH-Russia ties vowed
Moscow interested in WPS exploration; Duterte invites Russian energy firm
MOSCOW, Russia – President Duterte and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev vowed to further strengthen the bilateral relations of the Philippines and Russia as the two countries committed to sustain the momentum of their ties since Duterte’s last visit in 2017.
In his opening remarks
during their bilateral meeting, Duterte told Medvedev that both the Philippines and Russia witnessed how the bilateral relations between the two countries improved over the last three years
“In 2017 during my first visit to Russia, we successfully set the foundation for the bilateral cooperation. Since then, we have seen the mark of our progress in our engagement including such strategic areas as defense and security,” he said Wednesday afternoon (Russia time).
The President, in particular, cited the port call of BRP Tarlac in Vladivostok in 2018, the first ever by a Philippine Navy ship.
“[It] was a historic milestone in our relations. This was unthinkable a few years back yet we did it and more firsts to follow,” Duterte said.
He also said that the Philippines and Russia now have consultative mechanisms where both nations explore ways to expound their cooperation in various areas, including trade and investment, defense and security, energy, science and technology, among others.
“We are intent to sustaining this momentum. I am confident we'll succeed as a strong commitment from both sides to bring our relations to an even greater [level],” Duterte said.
For his part, Medvedev cited how the relations between Russia and the Philippines developed over the last few years. He said Russia is keen on improving its relations with the Philippines even further.
“The development is positive. In the half year, the trade rose twice and it's good,” he said.
“We're interested to continue the realization of our various projects in transport, in energy, agriculture, and in various humanitarian aspects,” he added.
WPS exploration
As both countries commit to strengthen bilateral ties, Russia expressed interest in exploring the West Philippine Sea (WPS) for energy cooperation. However, it made it clear that it has no intention to meddle in the sea dispute between the Philippines and China.
Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta stated this ahead of President Duterte's bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi Thursday.
Sorreta said Russia has been interested in energy cooperation in many areas, including the West Philippine Sea. Russia expressed willingness to do the exploration within Philippine laws, Sorreta said.
“So, they’re doing this in Vietnam in an area that’s disputed. But no mistake, Reed Bank is ours and we should be dealing with it as a responsible state. Let’s not be shy about it,” he continued.
However, he said joining the dispute in the South China Sea was not part of Russia's plan.
“I don’t think Russia wants to go in there (disputed area),” Sorreta said.
According to Sorreta, Russia is already an exploration powerhouse and has established its presence in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.
“They have the ability to drill under the most difficult – I mean explore under
the most difficult circumstances like Siberia or... In the offshore, in the east coast,” he said.
Since Russia is a major player in oil and gas, Sorreta said the Philippines has been looking at Russia to invest in the country’s energy sector.
With Russia expressing interest in exploration, President Duterte invited Rosneft Oil Co. to invest in the Philippines and assured them that their investments will be safe in the country because corruption is not tolerated in his government.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo made the statement after Rosneft Oil Co. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Igor Sechin paid a courtesy call on Duterte here Wednesday evening.
Panelo said that during the closeddoor meeting, Duterte also stressed that any agreement resulting from the said meeting will follow Philippine laws.
“The President invited Rosneft, the leader in the Russian oil sector, to invest in the Philippines, particularly with regard to oil and gas development, and assured its officials that their investments are safe in the Philippines and that he would not tolerate corruption in the bureaucracy," he said Thursday morning (Russia time).
Duterte is in Russia for a five-day official visit to meet Medvedev in Moscow and President Vladimir Putin in Sochi. Several agreements are set to be signed by both countries in Sochi. According to Medvedev, these agreements are good for the bilateral relations of the two countries.
Duterte last came to Russia in May, 2017 but his planned four-day visit was shortened to just 12 hours due to the war in Marawi City.