Duterte to Address Nation on Putin Meeting

President Rodrigo Duterte will address the nation Thursday night to discuss his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week.

During their teleconference on Tuesday, the leaders discussed vaccine cooperation, security ties, and trade opportunities.

Both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to fight COVID-19 and noted the importance of mobilizing vaccines like Russia's Sputnik V to many countries.

Duterte thanked Putin for Russia’s support in combating the pandemic and expressed plans to order 20 million doses of Sputnik V from Russia.

The two leaders also discussed defense cooperation, trade opportunities, and agriculture development, with Duterte inviting Putin to visit the Philippines as soon as possible.