Russia, Philippines agree to facilitate defense cooperation

 Sergey Lavrov with Albert del Rosario in Kuala Lumpur. Source: Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs

Russia and the Philippines decided to facilitate cooperation in defense and trade, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said in a press note.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Meetings in Kuala Lumpur last week.

“At the meeting, Secretary del Rosario and FM Lavrov agreed to facilitate the conclusion of several pending agreements between the Philippines and Russia, including the establishment of an intergovernmental commission on trade, defense and military technical cooperation, and combating transnational crimes,” the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said in the press note.

In 2016, Russia and the Philippines will mark the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Lavrov proposed the publication of materials, among other things, to highlight the event, according to the press note.

Vladimir Putin will visit the Philippines for the 2015 APEC summit and will also hold standalone talks with Benigno Aquino III. 

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