GOVPH

PHL Embassy in Moscow Briefs National Defense College Fellows on PH-Russia Relations

Vice-Consul Luningning Camoying gives a briefing on PH-Russia political, security and economic relations. (Photo courtesy of C. Narvaez)

16 June 2017 MOSCOW – The Philippine Embassy in Moscow briefed the 27-member delegation from the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) on Philippine policy towards Russia and the future of Philippine-Russia relations on June 14.

In his welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta said that their visit “is very timely, as the Philippines and Russia are entering a new stage in their long-standing relationship following the historic visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Moscow last month. It is important that our officials get to know more about Russia and establish direct linkages with their Russian counterparts in order to sustain this newfound vibrancy in our bilateral ties.”

The NDCP fellows were briefed on developments in Philippines-Russia relations and the situation of the Filipino community in Russia. The Embassy officials also fielded questions from members of the delegation.

Composed of military and civilian officials taking up NDCP’s Master in National Security Administration, the group is on official visit to Russia as part of the Global Security and Development Study (GSDS) component of the program, which aims to enhance strategic thinking through engagement with foreign government officials and experts from the academe and think-tank community.  The delegation was headed by NDCP Professor Charithie B. Joaquin.

The GSDS program in Moscow and St. Petersburg includes briefings by Russian government agencies and academic institutions, including the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Economic Development, Moscow State University’s Institute of Asian and African Studies, ASEAN Center at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, and St. Petersburg State University. It also has a cultural dimension such as the visit to the State Oriental Museum arranged by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.

The NDCP delegation will be in Russia until June 22.

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

Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta with the delegation from the National Defense College of the Philippines after the briefing at the Philippine Embassy. (Photo courtesy of C. Narvaez)