Congressional, LGU Delegation Engage in Expert Discussions on PH-Russia Relations
A briefing on Philippines-Russia relations, including challenges and prospects for the future was organized by the Embassy of the Philippines in Moscow on 03 October 2019 for the members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Official Delegation, during his visit to Russia. (Photos by Therese Cantada and Cherry Narvaez)
MOSCOW 17 October 2019 — Several members of the House of Representatives, governors, mayors and officials of the Philippine government received an in-depth orientation on the challenges, opportunities and unique characteristic of Philippine-Russia relations at a briefing organized by the Philippine Embassy in Moscow, in cooperation with the Office of the Chief of Presidential Protocol and Office of Presidential Appointments on 03 October 2019 at the Marriot Novy Arbat Hotel in Moscow.
Providing valuable insights to the conversation were Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) University Director of the ASEAN Centre Dr. Victor Sumsky, Moscow State University Institute of Asian and African Studies Associate Professor Dr. Elena G. Frolova, PhD, and Mr. Michael Angara, a successful Filipino entrepreneur in Moscow. Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Robert O. Ferrer Jr. served as Moderator, with support from Ms. Therese Cantada from the Office of the Secretary.
From the discussions, the body identified several opportunites for Filipinos in Russia, such as the Russian Far East, especially Vladivostok, would welcome Filipino construction workers and real estate projects like SM; fluency in the Russian language will be an advantage for Filipinos seeking to work in Russia; and Filipinos interested to work in the Russian oil industry must upgrade their skill sets by attending Russian oil universities. However, the body acknowledged that Filipino workers must also be encouraged to return home for the benefit of the Philippines’ oil industry.
The Embassy likewise took the opportunity to discuss the proposed Philippines-Russia bilateral labor agreement and provided updates on the Embassy’s efforts to facilitate the entry of Philippine agricultural and food products into Russia. END
From left: Dr. Sumsky, Rep. Rosanna Verghara, Prof. Frolova, Governor Victor Yu, Mr. Angara, Ms. Natalia Ilynskaya, Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu, Governor Datu Suharto Mangudadatu, and Mayor Shameem Mastura. (Photo by Cherry Narvaez)
From left: Representatives Wilton T. Kho, Elisa T. Kho, Rosanna Vergara and Vice Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara ask questions from Embassy representatives Consul General Ferrer and Attaché Cherry Narvaez on the working conditions of Filipino HSWs in Russia, which was described as positive.
The Briefing was well-attended by more than 40 members of the President’s Delegation.
From left: Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Con. Gen. Ferrer, Governor Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu, Governor Datu Suharto Mangudadatu after the Briefing.
For more information, visit https://www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia/ or https://twitter.com/phlinrussia