PH Navy hopes to learn from Russia warship visit

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The Philippine Navy said it hopes to learn from the Russian guided missile cruiser Varyag, which is on a four-day port visit to Manila.

“It’s a training opportunity, we can also view their technology as part of our modernization,” Captain Leo Ramon Miado, Philippine Navy Fleet staff for maintenance and repair, told reporters Thursday.

The Russian warship, which arrived on Thursday, was joined by large sea tanker Pechenga. The visit of the ships from the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet is the second goodwill visit of Russia to the Philippines this year.

READ: Russian warship to visit PH

Varyag commander Captain Alexsei Ulayenko said the visit was important to them so they brought the flagship of the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet.

Activities of the visit include training, sports activities, shipboard tour, and a Russian concert in Luneta Park.

The visit comes ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s trip to Russia next month which aims to enhance defense ties of the two countries.

Russian anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs came to Manila for a five-day port visit early January. It was even toured by President Rodrigo Duterte.

During the visit, Russia offered to conduct maritime exercises with the Philippines to help fight terrorism and piracy. JE

The flagship of the Russian Pacific fleet, Varyag, a Slava-class guided missile cruiser docks at Pier 15 South Harbor Manila on Thursday, April 20, 2017 for a four-day goodwill visit. INQUIRER PHOTO/GRIG MONTEGRANDE