Philippines, Russia to facilitate pending defense, military technical cooperation

From Ang Malaya (Aug 13): Philippines, Russia to facilitate pending defense, military technical cooperation

During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and related Meetings in in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last week, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario held several bilateral meetings with his counterparts from ASEAN states and partner nations which included a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

“At the meeting, Secretary del Rosario and FM Lavrov agreed to facilitate the conclusion of several pending agreements between the Philippines and Russia, including the establishment of an intergovernmental commission on trade, defense and military technical cooperation, and combating transnational crimes,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

DFA said Secretary del Rosario likewise conveyed his appreciation to Russia for the conclusion of a new Air Services Agreement (ASA) in July that would pave the way for increased air traffic and tourist flows between Philippines and Russia.

The Russian Ministerproposed the publication of materials, among other things, to highlight the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Russia next year.

The meeting was also part of paving the way for the historic visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Philippines to take part in APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in November.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/08/13/12705-philippines-russia-to-facilitate-pending-defense-military-technical-cooperation