Russia and Philippines Mark 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties: A Friendship Across the Ocean
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that the partnership between Russia and the Philippines has matured into a generally successful relationship based on mutual respect and consideration of shared interests, as the two nations mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.
On June 2, 1976, the Soviet Union and the Republic of the Philippines established diplomatic relations. According to Lavrov, this step was the sovereign choice of then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to pursue an independent foreign policy, regardless of the realities of the Cold War.
The history of relations between the two countries dates back to 1817, when Russian Imperial official Piotr Dobel presciently opened the first Russian consulate in Manila. In later decades, Russian travelers and sailors, including Vassily Golovnin, Fyodor Litke, Nikolay Miklukho-Maklai, and Ivan Goncharov, visited the Philippines.
Lavrov noted that the official visit of then-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to Russia in May 2017, as well as his meetings with President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the APEC Forum and the Valdai International Discussion Club, significantly contributed to broadening cooperation.
In 2017, when ISIS-affiliated terrorist groups attacked the island of Mindanao, Russia provided the Philippines with Ural trucks and weapons for its army. Since 2021, ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet have made six friendly visits to Philippine harbors.
Amid the aggravating situation in world energy markets, at the request of Philippine partners, the supply of Russian oil resumed this spring, with over 2.4 million barrels already shipped. Russia’s Rosatom State Corporation is working with Philippine partners on projects to construct small nuclear power plants, as well as the non-energy use of nuclear technologies in medicine, agriculture, and industry.
Lavrov highlighted effective foreign policy coordination between the two countries, particularly at the United Nations. He expressed gratitude to Philippine partners for co-sponsoring Russia’s resolution on the “Eightieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War.”
On the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Lavrov said Russia is optimistic about the future and ready for new joint initiatives for the benefit of citizens and in the interests of peace and prosperity.
