Putin: Philippines to receive more Sputnik V doses vs. COVID-19

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would deliver to the Philippines more of Gamaleya Research Institute's Sputnik V vaccines against COVID-19, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the Palace said Putin made the remark during a "telesummit" with President Rodrigo Duterte as the Philippines and Russia marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

The Philippines has so far received 80,000 doses of Sputnik V, including 50,000 doses delivered

Putin said Russia was also ready to "import more Philippine agricultural products, support transportation infrastructure projects, help build the country’s renewable energy facilities, and supply military equipment."

For his part, Duterte revealed that there are positive developments in the Philippines' procurement of 16 heavy-lift helicopters.

He added that the Philippines was looking forward to coordinating with Russia to fast track modernization of Philippine military's defense assets and systems.

On the other hand, Duterte underscored improvement of market access of Philippines' products to Russia, adding that Philippine firms are prepared to export more products to Russia.

Duterte also noted that the Philippines and Russia continue to "strengthen and gain new momentum" in their bilateral ties.

In the last five years, more than 30 agreements have been concluded and key bilateral mechanisms established between the Philippines and Russia. —NB, GMA News