PH, Russia tackle areas of cooperation

THE Philippines and Russia discussed future joint efforts during the 13th Philippines-Russia Political Consultations in Manila on Tuesday. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro co-chaired the meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko Yurevich. Representatives of the two countries exchanged views on politics, trade and investment, labor, agriculture, energy, outer space, culture and education, as well as regional and international issues, including Ukraine, the Middle East, and the South China Sea. Lazaro said a diplomatic solution was crucial to preventing escalation and the use of weapons of mass destruction in any conflict. Yurevich said, "Attempts were being made to isolate Russia and punish it for its sovereign political decisions aimed at ensuring its security." "We, therefore, appreciate the constructive attitude of the present administration, headed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which demonstrates the continuity of the policy of maintaining friendly relations with our country," he added. Yurevich said that since establishing diplomatic ties in 1976, Russian-Philippine friendship has endured many changes in the domestic and international political and economic spheres following the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. "We believe that realizing the significant potential of our bilateral cooperation lies in the context of a multipolar world order, to which Russia and the Philippines, as an influential member of Asean, are making their tangible contributions," he said. The two nations were looking forward to celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.