16 May 2016 - On May 13, Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta emphasized the commitment of the Philippines to continue strengthening its relations with Russia.

In interviews with Rossiya TV 24, Interfax, and Sputnik, Ambassador Sorreta said that there have been a number of visits recently where officials from the Philippines engaged their Russian counterparts. Philippine officials involved in defense, transportation, agriculture, education, culture, and tourism were in Moscow over the past twelve months.

“In addition, in two weeks, we will have a high-level science and technology delegation in Moscow to talk about cooperation in these fields,” Ambassador Sorreta said. Innovations in science and technology have contributed to the excellent growth of the Philippine economy and diversifying our sources and our cooperation can help sustain that growth, according to Ambassador Sorreta.

On the possibility of ASEAN-Eurasian Economic Union (EEU)-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) cooperation, Ambassador Sorreta said that there is some potential but that there should be more exchanges and better understanding of what this would entail.

On changes in foreign policy as a result of the recent elections, Ambassador Sorreta said that the fundamentals of Philippine foreign policy are enshrined in the constitution, Philippine laws and international legal commitments and that these are likely to remain. END