Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated presumptive Philippine president Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on his election victory, joining other world leaders who have extended their greetings.
Putin expressed hopes of improving ties between the Philippines and Russia and noted that the relationship between the two countries are "traditionally friendly", according to a statement released by Kremlin.
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"I hope that your efforts as head of state will facilitate further development of the fruitful cooperation between Russia and the Philippines in various areas. This meets in full the interests of our nations and is in line with the endeavors to strengthen security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region," the Russian leader wrote in his message.
The Philippines under incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte sought warmer ties with Russia, with the chief executive even visiting Moscow twice.
Putin's congratulatory message is the latest among world leaders following United States President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Marcos Jr. won the Philippine presidency with a landslide 31 million votes making him the first majority president of the country since the 1986 People Power Revolution that toppled his late father's dictatorship.
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