MANILA - Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Philippine presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the Russian foreign ministry said.

In a statement, the Russian president highlighted the “traditionally friendly” relations between the 2 countries and expressed his desire for its growth.

🇷🇺🇵🇭Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on occasion of his victory at the elections of President of the Philippines.

🤝The President of Russia noted traditionally friendly relations between the two nations.

🔗 https://t.co/gtv5wdN7zH pic.twitter.com/TO97x6qdkZ

— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) May 12, 2022

"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," Putin wrote to Marcos.

"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."

Russian-Philippine ties became closer during the administration of outgoing Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, who pivoted foreign policy toward friendlier relations with Russia and China.

Leaders of other Asia-Pacific countries traditionally seen as Philippine allies also sent their greetings to Marcos Jr.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio issued a congratulatory letter to Marcos Jr. on Friday, the Japanese embassy in Manila said.

Kishida wrote that he was determined to further promote cooperation as "strategic partners" in various areas to realize a "free and open Indo-Pacific".

Japanese Prime Minster Fumio Kishida congratulates Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on his election as the Philippines' next president. 🇯🇵🇵🇭 Read this https://t.co/m4ZNVVpf6h for more details on PM Kishida's message.

— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) May 13, 2022

Japanese foreign minister Hayashi Yoshimasa also extended his greetings to vice-presidential frontunner Sara Duterte, noting the history of people-to-people exchanges of the 2 countries in Davao City.

Australian premier Scott Morrison tweeted on Friday his congratulations for Marcos, saying he wants to continue advancing the friendship between Australia and the Philippines, now over 75 years old.

I congratulate Ferdinand Marcos Jr @bongbongmarcos on being elected President of the Philippines at the national elections on 9 May. Following the 75th anniversary of Australia-Philippines relations last year, we look forward to continuing to advance our long-standing friendship.

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) May 13, 2022

Meanwhile, the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines signaled on Friday its readiness to work closely with the incoming administration to strengthen the countries’ friendly historic ties and deepen existing partnerships in various fields such as food security, innovation and technology, tourism, and defense.

For the United Kingdom, foreign secretary Liz Truss said Friday she looked forward to working with the Marcos government in strengthening defense and security ties, boosting trade and investment, and to also promote freedom and openness in the region.

Congratulations @bongbongmarcos on your election victory. UK and Philippines are great friends. Look forward to working with your government to:

🛡 strengthen defence & security ties
⚖️ boost trade & investment
🌏 promote a free and open Indo-Pacific

🇬🇧 🤝 🇵🇭

— Liz Truss (@trussliz) May 13, 2022

The European Union on Thursday greeted Filipinos along with Marcos Jr. and the other candidates for the conduct of the elections.

Josep Borrell Fontelles, the European Commission vice president and EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said in a tweet the EU looks forward to working with the new administration to "advance our relations and EU-ASEAN ties".

Congratulations to all the people of the #Philippines on their national elections, to all the candidates who campaigned, and to President-elect Marcos for his victory.

The EU looks forward to working with the new administration to advance our relations and EU-ASEAN ties.

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) May 12, 2022

United States Pres. Joe Biden already called Marcos Jr. via phone on Thursday to personally congratulate him and express his anticipation of expanding the 2 nations’ ties, including in addressing COVID-19, the climate crisis, and "respect for human rights".

• Biden congratulates Marcos, seeks stronger US-PH ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping, meanwhile, sent a congratulatory note to Marcos via the Chinese ambassador to Manila, hoping for stronger relations and a focus on development.

• Chinese envoy makes courtesy visit to presumptive president Marcos Jr.
• Balancing act between China, US in new Marcos era in the Philippines

Marcos Jr. said on Thursday he was grateful to the world leaders who sent their congratulations, adding he also looked forward to working with the international community as president.

His spokesman added in an interview that foreign policy under Marcos’s administration would not be "exclusive" to any country and would prioritize the interest of Filipinos.

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