On June 2, 2022 Russia and the Philippines celebrate the 46th years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. 46 years ago a Russian person was regarded in the Philippines as a Martian – so seldom did Russian people appear in «the country of seven thousand islands». But today the situation is drastically different and the Filipino people know much more about Russia due to the numerous contacts between our countries.

The official visit to the Soviet Union of then President Ferdinand Edlin Marcos in May-June 1976 showed that the different social and political systems are far from being an obstacle to successful and effective cooperation between the USSR and the Philippines. The visit, noteworthy in every respect, brought up the relations to a new level. Diplomatic relations were established and the first trade agreement between the two countries was signed. It gave a fresh impetus to trade and economic links, cultural cooperation, tourism and scientific exchanges.