The Philippines and Russia vowed stronger bilateral cooperation in COVID-19 vaccines, trade, technology, and protection of Overseas Filipinos in Russia during the virtual 12th Political Consultations, co-chaired by Acting Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Affairs Elizabeth P. Buensuceso with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor V. Morgulov, on 23 April 2021.
Following the telephone call between President Duterte and President Putin on 13 April 2021, where the two leaders reiterated their pledge to cooperate in the fight against COVID-19, Deputy Foreign Minister Morgulov confirmed during the consultations the arrival of an initial shipment of 15,000 doses of Sputnik V vaccines in the Philippines on 28 April 2021.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the trajectory of Philippine-Russia bilateral relations, which has shifted from being defense-centric to more robust cooperation in trade and investments, culture, outer space, nuclear technology and energy, labor, and people-to-people ties; and agreed to celebrate their 45th anniversary of bilateral relations with meaningful activities throughout the year.
Other regional and international matters discussed include cooperation in the United Nations (UN), ASEAN, developments in the South China Sea, and the geopolitical situation in the Asia Pacific region.
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