The Russian Federation is the largest country in the world in geographical area, extending from Europe to the Pacific. After the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) underwent a major political transformation in 1991, Russia, under President Boris Yeltsin, struck out on its own without the other states which used to make up the Soviet Union. In 1993, a democratic Constitution was approved and today, Russia has a modern President in Vladimir Putin.
The Philippines and the USSR (now the Russian Federation) established diplomatic relations in 1976. Their bilateral relations have been cordial and productive, particularly in the areas of trade, culture, and the arts. The volume of bilateral trade amounts to about US$400 million. In 2001, on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of Philippines-Russia relations, an exchange of visits between our two countries’ military agencies took place.
Russia is one of the world’s leading producers of coal and the world’s largest producer of iron ore. It ranks high in the production of manganese and other metals such as tin and titanium. Russia has become the world’s largest producer of refined mercury. Russia is not only self-sufficient in the production of mineral fuels, it is also able to export considerable quantities of its production.
In 2002, Russian Foreign Minister Igor S. Ivanov visited the Philippines. He discussed matters of mutual interest with Philippine government officials. These included enhancing trade relations, ensuring alternative oil supply for the Philippines, and establishing ways of cooperation in the fight against international terrorism.
As a result of terrorist attacks in both countries, the Philippines and Russia have included transport security as one of the issues to be discussed in the ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-sessional Meeting on Counter-terrorism and Transnational Crime. This forum will be co-hosted by the Philippines and Russia in Manila this year.
We congratulate the people and government of the Russian Federation on the occasion of their National Day.
