Moscow – Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today addressed the
Federal Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia – the first Filipino and
Asian to do so.
At this historic first, the Senate President told the gathered Russian
Senators that he was “distinctly honored to address this august Chamber with
the hope that I could humbly contribute to our common efforts to build better
understanding between the Russian Federation and the Republic of the
Philippines and to expand the frontiers of our friendship.” He reaffirmed
the strong and unwavering commitment of the Philippine government to further deepen
the friendship and mutual understanding between the Philippines and Russia.
The Senate President also raised the issue of the conflicting claims in
the West Philippine Sea, saying “We are grateful to Russia for your continuing
interest in this issue. Your support for the peaceful settlement of
international disputes is consistent with, and supports, our principled
position that the West Philippine Sea dispute should be settled according to
the rule of law, particularly the UNCLOS.”
Elaborating further on the situation in the West Philippine Sea, he
told the Russian Senators that these are the same principles that guide the
Philippines during these challenging times in the Asia-Pacific. “The
Philippines is committed to the peaceful settlement of conflicting claims in
the West Philippine Sea in accordance with international law, in particular the
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. Consistent
with these norms, we have instituted arbitration proceedings with the
appropriate UN tribunal with the firm hope that through international law,
peace and justice will prevail,” the Senate President said.
The Senate President is in Russia on the invitation of Mme. Valentina
I. Matvienko, Chairperson of the Federal Council, Federal Assembly of the
Russian Federation, who introduced him and who chaired the Plenary
Session.
Aside from speaking at the Federal Council, the Senate President also
met with several top Russian officials during his stay. He also signed
with Mme. Valentina I. Matvienko an agreement that will strengthen ties and
boost cooperation between the upper houses of the legislatures of the
Philippines and Russia.
In his address, the Senate President said that the shared interests and
common sacrifices of Russians and Filipinos form the firm foundation of a
lasting relationship. “While geography has destined us to be far away from each
other, this has not prevented us from forging a friendship based on shared
interests and enriched by parallel experiences,” Senate President Drilon said,
citing in particular the suffering and sacrifices of both countries in World
War II.
He also recalled that both the Philippines and Russia were at the birth
of the United Nations and that in negotiating the Charter, “we would find
ourselves working together to outlaw war, uphold the peace and the rule of law.
These are principles that we – Russians and Filipinos – share and strongly
believe in, and must therefore continue to uphold and defend.”
Referring to the 40th anniversary next year of the
establishment of diplomatic relations, Senate President Drilon noted that “even
before the establishment of formal relations, there were already contacts
between our two peoples over a century earlier.” Pointing out that Russia
had always been familiar with the Philippines even from the time of the sailing
ships, he hoped for more contact between Russians and Filipinos, particularly
through increased visits by Russian tourists.
He also recalled that in the 1980’s, “we saw the flowering of Russia‑Philippines
cultural relations . . . producing two (2) world renowned (Russian trained)
artists . . . Prima Ballerina Lisa Macuja . . . and concert
Pianist Rowena Arrieta . . . and only very recently, one of our best
Filipino film makers, Brillante Mendoza, received the Outstanding Artistic
Award in the 25th International Film Festival in St. Petersburg.”
The Senate President also pushed for cooperation in other areas, saying
that the Philippines wants Russia “to be one of our global partners.” He cited
mutual assistance to nationals caught in conflict and crisis in Third-World
countries, cooperation in fighting transnational crimes, including “practical
cooperative actions to combat and prevent terrorism, including terrorist
financing, and build the capabilities of its international partners.”
Drilon welcomed Russia’s renewed focus on the Asia-Pacific, saying
“Russia has an important role to play in the framework of ASEAN-led mechanisms,
such as the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus, and
the ASEAN Regional Forum.” In this context he welcomed next year’s
meeting of ASEAN and Russian leaders in Sochi to celebrate 20 years of
productive dialogue partnership.
On economic cooperation, he said that the Philippines as keen on
working with Russia as this would contribute to economic growth for both
countries. He pointed out that the Philippines is one of the fastest
growing economies in Asia and that the long-term economic outlook is indeed
optimistic.
He attributed this to reforms implemented at home, aimed at promoting
good governance, curbing corruption, and strengthening the rule of law: “I am
proud to say that our Senate of the Philippines has contributed greatly to
advance this agenda by enacting much needed laws that are both timely and
highly relevant to these objectives.”
“To sustain the country’s growth
momentum, we need to expand the horizons of our economic partnership . . . to
look beyond traditional partners and develop new ones,” Senate President Drilon
said.
“This is where the Philippines
and Russia, one of the largest economies in the world, can work together with
tangible and immediate benefit for our people. Because of our shared interests,
Philippines-Russia relations have consistently grown since we established
diplomatic relations almost 40 years ago – no matter what the global context
was,” Senate President added.
Drilon also noted that, “This year we have the perfect opportunity to
create the impetus for this when His Excellency, Vladimir Putin, visits Manila
during the Asia Pacific Economic Leaders Meeting.”
“It will be a historic first
ever visit of a Russian Head of State to the Philippines. This will usher a new
phase in Philippines-Russia engagement - one that is forward-looking, agile,
and growing ever closer,” he said.
“Together with our Leaders and
our peoples, we can, and we will, expand the frontiers of our friendship,” the
Senate President told the gathered Russian Senators.
He ended his address by quoting Leo Tolstoy: “Man lives consciously
for himself, but serves as an unconscious instrument for the achievement of
historical, universally human goals.” END. (This Press Release is from the Philippine Embassy in
Moscow, Russia)
