CEBU CITY -- The Russian ambassador to the Philippines praised President Rodrigo Duterte’s stance to maintain neutrality in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Marat Pavlov said the President’s neutral stance is “very balanced and very wise.”

“I would like to stress, to emphasize that the statement of the Philippine leadership is very balanced and very wise,” Pavlov said in a press briefing.

The Russian Ambassador was in Cebu on Friday, April 1.

“I think that keeping neutrality during this trying time should be a very good way to conserve our good relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of the Philippines,” Pavlov added.

Pavlov assured that the ongoing war will not affect the country and Russia’s foreign and trade relations.

Pavlov said his visits in major cities and provinces in the country is part of the efforts to enhance cooperation between the two countries in terms of trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

While in Cebu, Pavlov visited Governor Gwen Garcia and Mayor Michael Rama.

In his meeting with Rama, Pavlov said that the City of Vladivostok is keen on signing a sisterhood cooperation with Cebu City.

Garcia also discussed with Pavlov the province’s plans to renew its sisterhood pact with St. Petersburg.

“We would like to intensify our tourist program with Cebu destinations,” Pavlov said.

Pavlov said sisterhood agreements may result in having chartered flights direct to Cebu and vice versa for tourists.

Pavlov also announced that a film titled “To Russia, with Love” will also be released in the country as part of the cultural exchange. The movie revolves around a Russian and his Filipina lover.

Pavlov assured that the deals between the national government and the Russian federation will continue.

These dealings include purchase of helicopters, the availability of Sputnik V vaccines, and in the energy sector.

Pavlov added that the Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation of Russia will continue its feasibility study with the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant and other possible areas for nuclear energy.

“It is a very clear demonstration that the Russian side would like to continue our interaction and we think that is also the Filipino side. As far as I understand, the current administration would want to cooperate with my country,” Pavlov said.