The Palace welcomes Russia’s gesture of considering the Philippines in developing and producing safe and accessible COVID-19 vaccines. This underscores the deepening cooperation between our two countries after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte charted an independent foreign policy course for our nation.

Cooperation on public health, especially at a time when it is most needed, can be a cornerstone convergence. It is a good opportunity to enhance ties with our key partners.

As we have said, the Philippines is ready to work with Russia, on clinical trials, vaccine supply and production, among others, subject to our existing laws and local processes.

We are one with Russia and the rest of the world in finding safe and accessible vaccines to address the COVID-19 pandemic that affected many nations and peoples.