Russian Media Shines Spotlight on Philippine Issues and Interests
Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta (seated, right) interact with more than a dozen representatives of various Russian media outfits in his first press conference after the official visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Russia. The event was moderated by Mr. Konstantin Maximov (seated, left) and tackled various Philippine issues.
27 June 2017 — Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta tackled various hot topics in a press conference held at the Rossiya Segodnya headquarters in Moscow, one of the biggest state media firms of the Russian Federation on June 08, organized by Mr. Konstantin Maximov, Head of the Project Press Club “Vostok” or “East”.
Around ten Russian media outfits and one Philippine media correspondent attended the event. The press conference garnered more than 10,000 views on Facebook and was syndicated by various international media. Among the burning questions asked by the Russian media present were the condition of Filipinos in Russia and possibilities for cooperation between Philippines and Russia in various spheres including defense, energy, infrastructure development, and trade, especially in the agriculture sector.
Ambassador Sorreta delivered a brief report on the Philippines’ 41-year long relations with Russia, punctuated by the recent visit of President Duterte which produced 11 signed agreements and the general mutually positive outlook between the Philippine and Russian governments for stronger and more concrete cooperation activities.
Ambassador Sorreta emphasized the commonalities of the Philippines and Russia, stemming from a coincidental historical event in that both countries share the same Independence Day, the 12th of June. According to the Ambassador, this seeming coincidence is an apt simile for the current relationship and he claimed that more commonalities will certainly be discovered as both countries deepen relations after four decades of remaining aloof.
The hour-long conference was indicative of the growing curiosity about the Philippines, a topic remaining exotic and obscure to most Russians. However, with the markedly increased volume of activity between the two countries on multiple levels, it is anticipated that the Philippines will gain more exposure in Russia’s leading TV networks and other media platforms.
The full video of the June 08 press conference dubbed in English can be viewed in the Embassy’s Facebook page: Part 1: http://ow.ly/mI8n30cSYe5 and Part 2: http://ow.ly/uFgn30cSYiV. END
