PH, Russia to Strengthen Linkage Between Interior and Local Government Agencies

Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta meets with State Secretary and Deputy Minister for interior affairs Igor Zubov at the Ministry of the Interior in Moscow on 24 January 2018. (Photo credits: L. Camoying)

26 January 2018 MOSCOW – Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation Carlos D. Sorreta and State Secretary and Deputy Minister for interior affairs Igor Zubov agree to strengthen institutional linkage between Philippine and Russian interior and local government agencies in a meeting held on 24 January 2018 in Moscow.

The two officials stressed the necessity of finally concluding the draft Agreement on Cooperation between the Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation (MVD) and Department of Interior and Local Government of the Philippines.

“A good working relationship between the DILG and MVD, anchored on a framework agreement, is crucial for effective cooperation in addressing transnational crimes, including illegal drug trade and terrorism, as well as migration problems. These issues are high on the agenda of both Russia and the Philippines,” Ambassador Sorreta noted.

The meeting builds on previous discussions during the Official Visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Russia in May 2017 and the visit to the Philippines of Mr. Nikolay Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, in February 2017. Deputy Minister Zubov accompanied the latter and gave a briefing on “Prospects for bilateral cooperation in the law enforcement sphere including in the fight against drug trafficking, cybercrime, and piracy” to top Philippine security and law enforcement officials. END

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