L-R: DFA Asst. Dir. Catherine Alpay, OVP Usec. Zuleika T. Lopez, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, Ambassador Marat Ignatyevich Pavlov, Mr. Konstantin Belyaev, Ms. Nina Parakapovich (Photo by OVP MPRD) MANDALUYONG CITY, 25 January 2023 – Vice President Sara Z. Duterte received the Russian Ambassador, H.E. Marat Ignatyevich Pavlov, in a courtesy call today at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) Central Office in Mandaluyong City.

The Russian Ambassador conveyed to the Vice President their interest in enhancing cooperation in the fields of agriculture, energy, education, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, among others. He also shared the finalization of an agreement between Manila and Moscow which is scheduled for signing on 30 January 2023.

L-R: Ms. Nina Parakapovich, Mr. Konstantin Belyaev, Ambassador Marat Ignatyevich Pavlov, and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte (Photo by OVP MPRD) The Vice President conveyed her gratitude for the Sputnik vaccines provided by the Russian government during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when there was a limited supply of vaccines worldwide.

The Russian Ambassador also informed the Vice President of the upcoming Moscow Gala Concert by the Academic Dance Theater “Gzhel.” In support of the cultural initiative of the Russian Embassy, the Vice President agreed to arrange the participation of select high school students and their teachers.