Putin accepts Rody invite for 1st Phl visit

Russian ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev is hopeful that President Vladimir Putin would visit the Philippines “as soon as possible.”

Speaking at a forum in Quezon City yesterday, Khovaev said Putin has accepted with gratitude the invitation of President Duterte for him to visit the Philippines.

“This is very important. The invitation of President Duterte has been accepted by President Putin with gratitude,” he said.

“At this moment, I can only express my hope that this visit will be made as soon as possible. When? I don’t know. But we’ll do our best to arrange this visit as soon as possible,” he added.

Khovaev reiterated Russia’s commitment to help the Philippines in various fields, including strengthening its defense capabilities.

“We have the most advanced technologies and we are ready to share that with our Philippine partners,” he said, referring to his earlier announcement that they are

ready to establish a small weapons production hub in the Philippines.

In a related story, Khovaev reiterated that Russian energy company Rosneft has nothing to do with the recent firing of an official of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC).

“I would like to emphasize that... it’s a domestic affair of the Philippines, it’s not our business. It has nothing to do with the Russian side,” Khovaev said when asked about the recent firing of Pedro Aquino Jr., the head of the PNOC Exploration Corporation.

Earlier this month, President Duterte fired Aquino for prematurely negotiating a deal with Rosneft without the authorization of the board of directors and concerned officials.

“But I’m happy to say that this decision has no impact on the cooperation between Rosneft and our Philippine partners,” Khovaev added.

KRIZJOHN ROSALES VAN GOGH ALIVE! Visitors look at works by Dutch master Vincent van Gogh during a preview of ‘Van Gogh Alive’ at One Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig City on Friday. The exhibit, which will run until Dec. 8, offers a multi-sensory experience featuring Van Gogh’s masterpieces projected onto walls and set to classical music.

JESSE BUSTOS GOODBYE, NENE: A Philippine flag is draped over the casket of former Senate president Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel Jr. as the democracy icon is given military honors at his final resting place at the Heritage Park in Taguig City yesterday. Also in photo are his widow Bing and son Koko. Story on Page 11.

RUSSELL PALMA MISS EARTH: Newly crowned Miss Earth 2019 Nellys Pimentel of Puerto Rico (2nd from left) joins finalists (from left) Miss Earth Fire Alisa Manenok of Belarus, Miss Earth Air Emanii Davis of USA and Miss Earth Water Klara Vavruskova of the Czech Republic during coronation night at Okada Manila yesterday.