Russia neutral on sea row

MANILA, Philippines - Russia is neutral on the issue of the West Philippine Sea.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov conveyed this to Senate President Franklin Drilon and other Filipino officials during discussions in Moscow yesterday on pressing global issues, including the need to look for a peaceful resolution of the conflict with China over certain areas in the West Philippine Sea.

Drilon and Lavrov also agreed on strengthening bilateral relations.

Drilon said he informed Lavrov that “both countries can still work together to strengthen regional peace and stability.” 

“Our efforts at the regional level should be complemented by our work at the bilateral level,” he said.

“This is why the Philippines is keen on deepening relations with Russia on all fronts. I believe we need not be held back by history and traditional alliances. Pragmatism and imagination should guide us instead.”

In response, Lavrov told him that Russia also wants a peaceful solution to the issue, and that it particularly supports the conclusion of a legally binding Code of Conduct in the West Philippine Sea.