Press Release No. 009-03
10 January 2003

RUSSIAN “PARLIAMENT SPEAKER” ON RP VISIT

The Chairman of the State Duma (Parliament) of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Gennady N. Seleznev, called on Foreign Secretary Blas F. Ople this morning at the Department of Foreign Affairs.  

Chairman Seleznev, who is currently an official visit from 9 to 12 January 2003 upon the invitation of Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., exchanged views with Secretary Ople on a wide range of international issues including the global war on terrorism. In this, Chairman Seleznev vowed to be pro-active on anti-terrorism initiatives in the Russian Duma.  

For his part, Ople said: “I am optimistic that Russia would be able to provide assistance and advice in the multi-front fight against terrorism;  (and) the Chairman and I agree that Russia’s participation in the Asia-Pacific area would greatly enhance cooperation and peace in the region”.

“I also conveyed to Chairman Seleznev the hope that more people-to-people contacts between the Philippines and Russia could take place”, Ople explained, adding that “Chairman Seleznev responded that there are many Russians who could choose the Philippines as a travel destination for tourism purposes especially during the long and proverbially-cold Russian winter months”.

Other than this incipient cooperative effort in the field of Tourism, matters that were discussed included the need to conclude pending agreements such as the Agreement on Science and Technology, Military Technical Cooperation, and the simplification of documentary requirements for holders of Diplomatic and Official passports.

Towards late morning, Mr. Seleznev and his was scheduled to call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, after which the President will tender a luncheon in his honor.  He will then call on Speaker Jose de Venecia and members of the House of Representatives in the afternoon for dialogues on legislative matters and other concerns.

Other activities on schedule for the Russian Duma Chairman include a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument, a tour of Fort Santiago, the Rizal Museum and the Casa Manila in Intramuros. He will also visit the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and will be given a briefing of the facilities of the Free Port by SBMA Chairman Felicito C. Payumo.

Chairman Seleznev is accompanied by a 15-member official delegation.