Philippines, Russia work on pending pacts

MANILA, Philippines - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have agreed to facilitate the conclusion of several pending agreements, including military technical cooperation, between the Philippines and Russia.

Del Rosario held bilateral talks with his Russian counterpart on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last Aug. 6.

At the meeting, Del Rosario and Lavrov said they would try to finish several pending accords, including the establishment of an inter-governmental commission on trade, defense and military technical cooperation, and on combating transnational crimes. 

The bilateral meeting between Del Rosario and Lavrov was their second in three years.

It paves the way for the anticipated visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Philippines to take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting in November.

Del Rosario informed Lavrov that the Philippines will be hosting the next round of political consultations between their respective foreign ministries next year.

He also conveyed his appreciation to Russia for the conclusion of a new Air Services Agreement last July that is seen to increase tourist flows between the two countries. 

Lavrov assured Del Rosario that the Russian Foreign Ministry would assist in the implementation of the Air Services Agreement. 

Meanwhile, Lavrov proposed the publication of materials, among other things, to highlight the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia in 2016.