04 April 2016- On March 28, Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation Carlos D. Sorreta, delivered a lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), “Philippine Perspective on Security Developments in the Asia Pacific region.”
Speaking before MGIMO students of diplomacy and Philippine studies majors from the Moscow State University’s Institute of Asian and African Studies, Ambassador Sorreta shared insights on Asia’s resurgence as an economic powerhouse and how it is re-shaping the regional security architecture, from the point of view of the Philippines. He stated that Asia is rising and everyone wants to be part of this development with the US pivoting, for instance, and Russia rebalancing relations with the region.
AmbassadorSorreta likewise discussed the contribution of regional mechanisms, such as APEC and ASEAN, in the unprecedented socio-economic transformation that Asian countries like the Philippines are currently enjoying.
“ASEAN is a successful experiment in community building that has greatly contributed in the promotion of peace, stability, and progress in Southeast Asia and the larger Asia Pacific region,” said Ambassador Sorreta. But challenges -- particularly in the security sphere -- remain and have taken on a new dimension given the shifting power dynamics in the region. An example of which is the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea issue. In this regard, the Ambassador underscored that “we need more voices for peace and rule of law” in addressing these sort of challenges. This is to preserve what has already been gained and for the region to sustain its upward trajectory.
Ambassador Sorreta thanked Prof. Yuri Raikov, a retired diplomat that is experienced in Philippine matters, for organizing the lecture. Also present was Dr. Victor Sumsky, Director of the ASEAN Centre in MGIMO University.
Prior to the lecture, Ambassador Sorreta was welcomed by Prof. Evgeniy Kozhokin, Vice-Rector for Scientific Work. Prof. Kozhokin stated that the MGIMO University deems it important for their students - future diplomats - to be exposed and to learn from practitioners of diplomacy.
Established in 1944 under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MGIMO is Russia’s premier university in the field of international relations and diplomacy. It has trained generations of Russian diplomats, including the current Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Since 1946, MGIMO has been providing academic training to international students from various countries, including South Korea, Japan, China, Turkey, Jordan, Germany, France, U.S.A., Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Israel among others.
MGIMO offers a wide range of courses at undergraduate and graduate levels – from international affairs, political science, economics, and international law, to journalism, business management, and energy policy. It has close ties with leading academic and think tank institutions worldwide. END
