DND chief: Improved military relationship with Russia in line with President Duterte's independent policy thrust

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6): DND chief: Improved military relationship with Russia in line with President Duterte's independent policy thrust
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is optimistic about having improved defense relations with Russia which is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's independent foreign policy thrust.

The DND chief made this statement aboard the Udaloy-class large anti-submarine ship/destroyer Admiral Tributs which he visited Friday.

The naval vessel, which is accompanied by tanker and supply ship Boris Butoma, is presently docked at Pier 15, Manila South Harbor.

Both arrived last Jan. 2 and will depart on Jan. 7 after their six-day goodwill visit.

Lorenzana said he sees this latest goodwill visit by the Russian Navy, the third time in the country, as the "start of a partnership between the defense establishments of Russia and the Philippines."

“We thank you (Russia) sincerely for this cordial gesture and we hope that this will be the start of a partnership between the One Defense Team -- Philippines and its counterpart in the Russian Federation,” he said.

The DND chief also mentioned his trip to Russia in early December when he met with Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov and Director Alexander Fomin of the Federal Service of Military Technical Cooperation to discuss mutual concerns such as terrorism and illegal drugs.

They also talked about the possibility of future military to military engagements.

Lorenzana also said that he conveyed to the same Russian officials his agreement to continue the long pending Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two Defense organizations which was initiated in 2014.

Both sides agreed that the MOU should be finalized in time for signing during the forthcoming visit of President Duterte to Russia.

Once signed, the MOU becomes the basis of all future military to military engagements which may include visits, exchange of students, conferences, joint exercises, among others.

“May our common aspirations for regional and global peace and security enable us to become good partners, cooperating and coordinating towards tranquil and safe seas for all,” Lorenzana said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=953230