Efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries were hindered by mutual distrust between them, with the Philippines being a key ally of the United States, the Soviet Union's main rival in the Cold War.

Salvador P. Lopez proposed a review of relations with the Soviet Union and its allies, reduced dependence on the United States and an Asian policy that would take into account China's emergence as a power of Asia.

In a Foreign Policy statement released in January 1967, Marcos acknowledged the need to pursue the establishment of Philippine ties with the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China[4] more vigorously.

Also in the same month, Foreign Affairs secretary Narciso Ramos spoke of possible relaxation on the ban against trading with socialist states.

[5] As part of Marcos' foreign policy, the Philippines sent missions to the Soviet Union, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Romania, East Germany and Bulgaria.

[2] A feasibility study was conducted in 1982 as part of a joint venture of the Philippines and the Soviet Union to construct a one million ton per year cement plant.

It would significantly add to the current annual output level of four to four and a half million tons of cement the Philippines exported.