Duterte to Russian Navy delegation: Come back more often to PH

President Rodrigo Duterte. AP File Photo

“Come back more often,” said President Rodrigo Duterte to the Russian Navy contingent as he visited the two Russian warships docked in Manila Bay on Friday.

Duterte was toured at the The Admiral Tributs, an antisubmarine vessel at the Pier 15 in Manila.

The Admiral Tributs and another sea tanker, the Boris Butoma, arrived in Manila last Tuesday for a four-day goodwill visit.

READ: Duterte to visit Russian warships on Friday

The President was toured inside The Admiral Tributs together with Russian officials led by Russian ambassador to Manila Igor Khovaev.

“Mabuhay kayo (Long live) from the heart,” he said after he signed in the guestbook.

“I hope you can come back more often… more (ships),” he said.

The President and Russian officials also did the former’s signature clenched fist post with Duterte saying, “that’s the sign of fighting spirit.”

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella earlier said that “the goodwill visit by the Russian Navy will contribute to the strengthening of friendship with the Philippine Navy.”

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