Philippines duterte looks to strengthen ties with trip to moscow
You're referring to the recent visit of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to Moscow, Russia!
Yes, President Duterte's trip to Moscow from October 1 to 5, 2017, aimed to strengthen ties between the Philippines and Russia, particularly in the areas of trade, defense, and energy. This visit marked a significant milestone in the two countries' relations, as it was the first time a Philippine president had visited Russia in over 30 years.
During his trip, President Duterte held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing various issues, including:
- Trade and investment: The two leaders agreed to increase trade and investment between the two countries, with a focus on energy, infrastructure, and agriculture.
- Defense cooperation: Russia and the Philippines signed a defense cooperation agreement, which aims to enhance military ties, including the potential sale of Russian military equipment and training for Philippine military personnel.
- Energy cooperation: The two countries discussed cooperation in the energy sector, including the potential for Russia to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the Philippines.
- Regional security: President Duterte and President Putin discussed regional security issues, including the South China Sea disputes and the threat of terrorism.
The visit was seen as a significant step in strengthening the Philippines' relations with Russia, which has been a key player in the region. The trip was also seen as a way for President Duterte to diversify the Philippines' foreign policy, reducing its dependence on traditional allies like the United States.
Overall, the visit was seen as a success, with both sides expressing satisfaction with the outcomes of the talks.