Duterte to visit Russian warships on Friday

Aboard the Russian Navy vessel Admiral Tributs during open house in Manila Jan. 2, 2016. Inquirer/L. Rillon

President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to visit the two Russian warships docked in Manila Bay on Friday.

The Admiral Tributs, an antisubmarine vessel, and a sea tanker, the Boris Butoma, arrived in Manila on Tuesday for a four-day goodwill visit.

“The goodwill visit by the Russian Navy will contribute to the strengthening of friendship with the Philippine Navy,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella told reporters in a Palace briefing on Thursday.

“It is also an indication that our maritime cooperation can further be enhanced to enable diplomacy and camaraderie,” Abella added.

Duterte had earlier said that he was open for a joint military exercises with Russia.

In a press conference, Rear Adm. Eduard Mikhailov, deputy commander of the Flotilla of Russian Navy Pacific Fleet, said the Philippines and Russia may hold maritime exercises in the future.

“Our governments will maybe discuss in some period of time the possibilities of our maritime exercises,” Mikhailov has said through an interpreter.

Duterte had earlier expressed willingness to work with Russia, even describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as his “idol.” RAM

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