Russian Ambassador Igor A. Khovaev, one of the main figures behind the enhancement of Manila’s relations with Moscow, is ending his five-year tour of duty in the Philippines this month with a farewell call to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.
During their meeting on Monday, Oct.6, Locsin expressed his appreciation to Khovaev for his contribution to the reinvigoration of the bilateral relations between the two countries as the Philippines, under the Duterte administration, sought to deepen ties with non-traditional partners.
Under Khovaev’s tour of duty, the country witnessed the increasing bilateral engagements and people-to-people ties with Russia, punctuated by the signing of several agreements in the areas of trade and economy, science and technology, nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, space sciences, nuclear medicine, basic research, legal and judicial cooperation, defense cooperation and culture.
The DFA secretary’s wife, Maria Lourdes B. Locsin, for her part, thanked the Russian ambassador’s spouse, Maria Ilina, for her active involvement in various social and charitable activities and initiatives. Mrs. Khovaev expressed her appreciation for the warmth and hospitality accorded to them during their stay and the generous support they received for the activities initiated by the Russian Embassy.
In May 2017, Khovaev accompanied President Duterte during the latter’s first state visit to Russia, a visit that was cut short by the onset of the Marawi siege.
On October 4 last year, Khovaev again accompanied Duterte to Moscow for a five-day official visit.