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Author : Perfecto R. Yasay Jr.
Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines
On the 40th Anniversary of Philippines-Russia Diplomatic Relations.
The relations between the Philippines and Russia
have come a long way ever since its establishment,
and I remain convinced that our relations will flour-
ish even more in the ensuing years - because they
are founded on our common values of respect for
the sovereign equality of slates and the rule of law.
On the 40th year of our friendship, I wish to de-
clare that the Philippines is committed to further
nurturing, exploring, and developing more avenues
of cooperation with Russia.
IT IS NOTEWORTHY that even before the official establishment of our bilateral relations, co-
operation in the area of humanitarian assistance had already existed between our countries. One
heartwarming but little known fact is that from 1949 to 1953, some 6,000 Russian refugees were
living in the Philippines.
Within this historical perspective, the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in As-
sistance to Nationals Caught in Conflict and Other Crises in Third Countries acquires greater
significance. When forged, this agreement will enable greater cooperation between our countries
in responding to various crises - and in a broader sense, our bilateral relations will flourish even
more.
NEEDLESS TO SAY, the Philippines and Russia have enjoyed cordial and productive relations
- evidenced by exchanges of high-level visits, inter-parliamentary exchanges, regular political
consultations, bilateral agreements, and the conduct of various cooperation activities at the bi-
lateral, regional, and multilateral levels.
The Philippines and Russia have signed agreements covering trade and investment, arts and cul-
ture, inter-parliamentary cooperation, defense and security to name a few.
The Philippines and Russia also work very closely in promoting regional cooperation through
ASEAN.
Incidentally, this year is not only the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philip-
pines and Russia but also the 20th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership.
In this connection, the Philippines wishes to congratulate Russia on its successful hosting of
the recently concluded ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Sochi.
At this historic juncture, on behalf of the Filipino people, may I thank Russia and the Russian
people for their friendship, for the fostering of mutual trust, and for never tiring in finding a
common ground for our countries - as we advocate peace and goodwill in our vulnerable but
beautiful world.
http://interaffairs.ru
Peace and Prosperity in a Vulnerable yet Beautiful World