02 February 2015 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario conferred the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu, Gold Distinction on Russian Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev at the Department of Foreign Affairs, on January 30. A citation, signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III and awarded to Ambassador Kudashev, recognized the Ambassador’s “important contributions in further strengthening and deepening the foundations” of the bilateral relations between the Philippines and the Russian Federation, as well as his efforts to bring closer the peoples of both countries.
In his brief remarks, Secretary Del Rosario conveyed his gratitude to Ambassador Kudashev for his exemplary efforts at strengthening the “bonds of friendship and camaraderie” between the Philippines and Russia. He noted the “remarkable improvement” in bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade, tourism, and high-level exchanges.
According to Secretary Del Rosario, bilateral trade with Russia increased from US$486 million in 2010 to US$1.7 billion in 2013, while Russian tourists continued to visit the Philippines to “enjoy warm Filipino hospitality and friendship.”
Also in his address, Secretary Del Rosario recalled his and President Aquino’s visit to Russia in 2012, as well as several high-level exchanges between foreign ministry, security, and cultural officials of both countries.
Furthermore, Secretary Del Rosario commended Ambassador Kudashev for facilitating the conclusion of several bilateral agreements, including on culture, customs, and sports, and the identification of other potential areas for cooperation.
The Secretary ended his remarks by calling Ambassador Kudashev an “example and inspiration” to future Russian diplomats who would serve in the Philippines and build on his legacy to “cement Philippines-Russia friendship.”
For his part, Ambassador Kudashev expressed his profound gratitude to President Aquino for conferring on him the Sikatuna Award. He also thanked DFA officials led by Secretary Del Rosario for their cooperation during his tenure as Ambassador. He pledged to continue working for the “elevation of Philippines-Russia relations.”
Department of Foreign Affairs officials led by Office of European Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson and Office of the United Nations and other International Organizations (UNIO) Assistant Secretary Gary Domingo, as well as representatives from the Russian Embassy, attended the conferment ceremony.END