LIMA,
Peru, Nov. 20 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte met with Russian President
Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the two-day Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting (AELM) in Lima, Peru.
During
the meeting, President Duterte expressed his pleasure of meeting President
Putin and his respect for the latter’s leadership.
President
Putin congratulated President Duterte for winning the May 9, 2016 elections and
likewise expressed his pleasure at meeting him.
Putin
noted that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of
Philippines-Russia diplomatic relations, and acknowledged the many
accomplishments that have promoted trust and confidence between the two
countries.
Both
leaders discussed the various ways to further develop comprehensive bilateral
cooperation in such areas as economic, security and defense, cultural and
people-to-people exchange, among others. They likewise agreed to sustain the
high-level meetings and consultations that would enhance the mutually
beneficial relations.
Present
during the meeting were members of President Duterte's Cabinet, including
Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III,
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, National
Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and
Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go.
