Russian Media Delves into PH Economy, Tourist Destinations and Food in Interview with PH Ambassador

Optimism in deeper people-to-people relations. Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta talked about the Philippines as a travel destination for Russians – both for business and leisure – at the studio of “First Unofficial,” a Russian internet channel.

20 December 2017 MOSCOW — With 2017 nearing its conclusion, the Philippines continues to draw the attention of Russian media, such as “First Unofficial,” an internet channel which regularly publishes interviews of Russian government officials, business leaders, and heads of diplomatic missions in Moscow. Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta was recently invited to an interview with the media company’s General Director, Ms. Ekaterina Shiyanova, for the flagship program, “Unofficially Ekaterina Shiyanova.”

During his interview, Ambassador Sorreta discussed developments on Philippine-Russia economic relations, and highlighted the accomplishment of 17 bilateral agreements in 2017, which would strengthen the framework for bilateral economic activities, including boosting the flow of trade and investments between these countries. The top Philippine envoy to Russia also talked briefly about business opportunities and how Russians can establish their enterprises in the Philippines.

Ms. Shiyanova noted that more Russians are now traveling to the Philippines to discover not only its beaches, but also its festivals, customs, alternative/traditional medicine, and food. In response, Ambassador Sorreta agreed that the closer ties both countries currently enjoy has helped to promote greater awareness and interaction among Russians and Filipinos, allowing the discovery of more commonalities between our peoples such as a love of celebrating holidays and having a multitude of beautiful churches, among other things. He hoped that this will also spur a greater flow of tourism of Russians to the Philippines, and vice versa.

“First Unofficial” is a Russian internet news channel that serves as a platform for interaction between the business community and government officials. It publishes its news and video content in various social media sites, including Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube. For more information, visit http://1neof.ru. END

Ekaterina Shiyanova (in photo, right), General Director of First Unofficial, invites Ambassador Sorreta to the hot seat to share his insights about Philippine culture, food, and business prospects in the country.  Photo c/o C. Alpay

For more information, visit www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph.