Putin and Duterte discuss promotion of bilateral cooperation and investment
Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the promotion of bilateral cooperation and investment with his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, TASS reported.
"The presidents agreed to promote activities of the intergovernmental commission today and give assignments to ministries to call its next meeting as soon as practicable," Peskov stated.
"The Russian President noted that Russian companies are ready to intensify work on the Philippine market," he added, noting that this refers, in particular, to industries such as railcar manufacturing and metal production.
"Duterte underscored, in response, the possibility for Russian investors to enter into the most diverse areas in the Philippines in the nearest future," he added.
Recently, Duterte said he will visit Russia and China to create “open alliances” with the two countries in pursuit of an independent foreign policy. While not openly breaking with the US, the Philippine president said he hopes open up the "other side of the ideological barrier" by pursuing alliances with Beijing and Moscow.
Duterte has come under criticism from the US for human rights abuses that have occurred in the Philippines since he took office in June. In particular, Duterte is criticized for his anti-narcotics campaign, through which an average of 40 people have been killed per day since he took office.