MANILA, Philippines – Kinumpirma ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) ngayong Biyernes ang pagtawag ni Russian President Vladimir Putin kay President Benigno Aquino III upang magpaliwanag sa hindi niya pagpunta sa Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) sa susunod na linggo.
"President Vladimir Putin called President Aquino the other day to discuss matters related to Philippine-Russia bilateral cooperation and the participation of Russia in the APEC summit in Manila on November 18 and 19," pahayag ni DFA Spokesperson Charles Jose ngayong Biyernes.
Iginiit naman ni Jose na wala siyang impormasyon sa biglang pag-atras ni Putin na nauna nang nagsabing dadalo siya sa APEC na gagawin sa Maynila sa Nobyembre 18 at 19.
Si Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev na lamang ang dadalo sa pagtitipon ng iba’t ibang state heads.
"We are confident that the participation of the representatives in the (APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting) will strengthen Philippine initiatives as host and also contribute to economic cooperation among member economies," pahayag ng tagapagsalita.
Samantala, hinihintay naman ng Pilipinas kung sino ang ipadadala ng Indonesia matapos ipaalam ni President Joko Widodo na hindi rin siya makakapunta.
"Although we regret that President Joko Widodo would most likely be unable to attend the summit, the Philippines understands the pressing matters back home require his immediate attention," sabi ni Jose.