President Duterte visit to Russia to benefit OFWs

Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta expects that Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s stay in Russia will result in enhancing the welfare of the increasing number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the country. This is one of the top objectives of the Chief Executive in his official visit in line with his advocacy on OFW welfare which may be realized through a possible bilateral labor agreement.

The ambassador also appeals to his compatriots to shun illegal recruitment to Russia to demonstrate the compliance of Filipinos to Russian laws. Meanwhile, Pres. Duterte is set to showcase Filipino culture to the Russian people, making this visit unique from his earlier foreign trips.

President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Moscow, Russia at 3:25 a.m. (8:25 a.m. PHL time) on Wednesday morning for a five-day official visit.

A total of 15 Cabinet members led by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. joined the presidential delegation as Duterte designated Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra as officer-in-charge of the national government during the trip.

On Wednesday, Duterte will have separate meetings in Moscow with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Igor Sechin, head of Russia’s top oil producer Rosneft.

The President will then travel to the resort city of Sochi to speak at the Valdai Discussion Club on Thursday, a first for a Philippine leader.

He will then have a bilateral meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the Valdai forum.

On Friday, Duterte will attend a business forum in Moscw aimed at promoting trade and investment opportunities between the Philippines and Russia.

He will also be conferred an honorary doctorate degree by the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, one of Russia’s most prestigious learning institutions. Duterte is expected to give a lecture to Russia’s future diplomats.

The President will also visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Aleksandrovsky Garden, and will tour the Kremlin Palace and attend a Filipino cultural performance.

Duterte will end his visit on Saturday with a meeting with the Filipino community there.