Palace: Russian warships’ arrival in PH to enhance maritime cooperation
MANILA -- The arrival of two Russian warships in Manila is seen to enhance maritime cooperation between Russia and the Philippines, Malacañang said on Thursday.
“The goodwill visit of the Russian Navy will contribute to the strengthening of friendship with the Philippine Navy. It is also an indication that our maritime cooperation can further be enhanced in aid of diplomacy and camaraderie,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.
Abella issued the statement after warships from Russia’s Pacific Fleet docked in Manila on Tuesday morning, in time for a maritime exercise with the Philippine Navy.
The Russian Navy vessels, anti-submarine destroyer Admiral Tributs and sea tanker Boris Butoma, are anchored at Manila’s South Harbor for a week-long goodwill visit.
Abella reiterated that President Rodrigo Duterte has been open to joint military exercises with Russia.
He, however, said he was told by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that such exercises would still depend on the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which would provide the framework for engagement between the Filipino and Russian troops.
“[Lorenzana] said that all of these things will be dependent on the signing of an MOU, which was initiated in 2014. And this will provide the framework regarding the terms of engagement – the military visiting students, culture exchanges, and joint military exercises,” the presidential spokesperson said. (Sunnex)