PH Navy off to a goodwill visit to Russia prior int’l fleet review in South Korea

A contingent of the Philippine Navy will set sail on Friday for a goodwill visit to Russia before heading to the international fleet review in South Korea.

A send-off ceremony will be held on Friday at the Manila South Harbor for the 440-man contingent aboard the loading dock platform BRP Tarlac which is bound for the Russian Pacific Fleet’s headquarters in Vladivostok.

Navy spokesperson Commander Jonathan Zata said the trip to Russia is “essentially a port visit. A goodwill visit in reciprocation of the (previous) port visits by the Russian Navy.”

“We’re reciprocating the Russian Navy efforts and we’re looking forward in improving further relationship between our Navy and theirs,” he said, adding that it was historic being the first ever Russian port visit by the Philippine Navy.

Zata pointed out that the Navy contingent will take part in goodwill sports activities and other exchanges with its Russian counterparts.

“They will be visiting facilities at the headquarters of the Russian Pacific Fleet and we are still arranging and confirming that the facilities they use in making submarines would also be made available to visit,” the Navy spokesperson said.

Zata said that after the goodwill visit, the contingent will proceed to Jeju, South Korea for the international fleet review from October 10 to 14 where navies around the world will take part.

The international fleet review will mark the 70th anniversary of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. As part of the activities, Korean naval base in Jeju Island will be opened to the public on October 13 and 14 when its ships and those from other navies worldwide would be made accessible to civilians. /kga