President Rodrigo Duterte intends to talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin on how to improve the trade relations between the Philippines and Russia.
This is at the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima, Peru next week.
"Matuloy ho. Ako ang nanghingi niyan. Earlier, I had a long talk with the ambassador of Russia. I reiterated my desire to meet Putin, bilateral," Duterte told reporters.
Duterte noted that while he wants to be friends with his "favorite hero," he also wants to use this opportunity to explore possible trade agreements with Russia.
"Wala naman akong hingiin. I want to be friends with him. I just want the two countries to be the best of friends. This is an economic world. If there are things we can sell to them or export sa kanila, eh di mas maganda," he added.
