On Thursday at the induction of newly elected officers of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., President Rodrigo Duterte said Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command chief Army Major General Oscar Lactao will be joining him.
"So I'm going there with Lactao, May 25," Duterte said. "Sabi ko sa kanya, Maganda rin ang mga Russian. Iyon lang man ang puntahan mo. Usap kami ni Putin."
He also reiterated Russia's commitment to helping the Philippines.
"Sabi pa ng Russia [said], "We will have everything you need, just come here,"" he added.
Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev told CNN Philippines' "The Source" in January that Duterte's visit to Russia is a "milestone" in the ties between the two nations.
"Both the Russian and Philippine side, we need to prepare substantial and solid package of bilateral agreements on cooperation in different fields, and we are now taking necessary efforts," Khovaev said.
He also said Russian companies are willing to explore Philippine markets. He urged Philippine companies to reciprocate and explore the Russian market as well.
"We are ready to cooperate in industries of transport, energy… including the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, telecommunications, agriculture, and many other fields. Both sides have a lot to offer," Khovaev said.
Economic ties between Manila and Moscow are at their infancy.
Russia has not had any foreign direct investment in the Philippines since 1999, central bank data showed.
Russia accounted for $43 million (around ₱2.17 billion) in overseas remittances last year, but it was only 0.2 percent of the total $26.9 billion (around ₱1.35 trillion) sent home by Filipinos from all over the world.
In addition, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said Russia committed to importing up to $2.5 billion (around ₱126 billion) worth of Philippine fruits, grains and vegetables in 2017.
Imports by Russia from the Philippines stand at $46 million (around ₱2.32 billion), according to government trade statistics.
Beyond economic links, the Philippines is also eyeing military cooperation with Russia. Defense officials have said they were looking into possible joint exercises and weapons deals with the Kremlin.
In addition, Khovaev said he is optimistic that Filipinos would trust Russia more as the two countries build bridges.
"It's time for Filipinos to discover Russia, and vice-versa… and I have a strong belief, we'll trust each other." he said.
