Philippine ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana says there’s a chance for President Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a spontaneous meeting during the two-day Belt and Road Forum (BRF) in China.
Sta. Romana confirmed Putin’s attendance in the forum that will begin today (Sunday) and will stretch until Monday.
The Asian-economic powerhouse invited 29 state leaders to join the BRF for International Cooperation, a “historically significant” milestone that signifies the transfer of global powers from the West to Asia, Sta. Romana explained.
“This is the first international forum where you’ll see President Duterte with Xi Jinping and Putin. He’s talked about wanting to be with them, so here’s an opportunity. You have the emergence that this summit presents—a new world order,” Sta. Romana further elaborated.
It can be recalled that President Duterte expressed his plans on severing ties with the US and pulling closer towards China and Russia.
This shifting of gears is made evident by the recent visits of Chinese and Russian naval vessels to the Philippines.
Duterte, having the 28 other state leaders as an audience, will give a short speech on Monday about the “Philippine experience” which also includes the country’s infrastructure development.
Photo credit: Abs cbn news
