President Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to strengthen the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Russia as they exchanged congratulatory messages Saturday during the celebration of national holidays in their countries.
Duterte and Putin issued separate messages of greetings as the Philippines commemorated its 123rd Independence Day and Russia celebrated the 29th Russia Day both on June 12.
In his message to Putin, Duterte congratulated Putin on the celebration of Russia Day.
"On this day of national unity and celebration, let me convey the Filipino people’s best wishes for the continued success and prosperity of your great nation," Duterte wrote in his message.
President Duterte congratulates Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia Day. @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/BAvgaXPwao
— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyllcyrus_MB) June 12, 2021
The President likewise expressed confidence that the Philippines and Russia will continue to have good relations as it marked 45 years of diplomatic ties.
"This year, the Philippines and Russia mark 45 years of warm and fruitful ties. It was my great pleasure to have commemorated this special milestone with Your Excellency on the 2nd of June," Duterte said.
"I am confident that our strong relations will continue to thrive in the years ahead as we deepen cooperation in more areas of mutual interest, including in our common fight against the COVID-19 pandemic," he added.
Meanwhile, President Putin, in a separate message, expressed his greetings for the Philippines’ 123rd Independence Day celebration.
"The Russia-Philippines relations are traditionally friendly. I am confident that by joining efforts we will secure further development on constructive bilateral dialogue, fruitful cooperation in different fields as well as partnership to respond to pressing international challenges," Putin said in his message to Duterte.
"It fully meets the interests of our two nations and goes in line with strengthening security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region," he added.
Putin likewise wished Duterte good health and success, and the people of the Philippines prosperity.
Meanwhile, President Putin extended his greetings to PH for its 123rd Independence Day on Saturday. @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/dU5BYWKrfU
— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyllcyrus_MB) June 13, 2021
Last month, President Duterte and President Putin had a phone conversation where the two renewed the shared commitment to further enhance the bilateral ties between the Philippines and Russia.
Over the last five years, more than 30 agreements have been concluded and key bilateral mechanisms established.
The Philippines established diplomatic relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics through a Joint Communiqué signed by the late President Ferdinand Marcos and Supreme Soviet Presidium President Nikolai Podgorny on June 2, 1976.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union on December 26, 1991, the obligations arising from bilateral agreements were assumed by the Russian Federation which the Philippines formally recognized on December 28, 1991.