President Rodrigo Duterte (C) poses with some Cabinet members and Russian and Philippine Navy officials aboard the Russian Navy vessel Admiral Tributs docked at the South Harbor in Manila, January 6, 2017. (Presidential Photo/Philippines News Agency/Rey Baniquet)
President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday that he hoped Moscow, a rival of the Philippine's traditional ally the United States, would become his country's ally and protector as he toured one of the two Russian warships on a four-day visit to Manila.
Duterte's remarks came a day after Russia's ambassador said his country was ready to supply the Philippines with sophisticated weapons and aims to become its close friend.
"We welcome our Russian friends. Anytime you want to dock here for anything, for play, for replenish supplies or maybe our ally to protect us," said Duterte while shaking the hands of Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov, head of the Flotilla of the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet, after boarding the Russian large anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs.
Duterte said Russian President Vladimir Putin granted his invitation for Russian ships to visit the Philippines.
Duterte told Mikhailov: “For the friendship of Russia and the Philippines, it was I who requested President Putin… I said, ‘President Putin if you have a time… and send your Russian ships to dock in the Philippines.’ We’re happy. We welcome you.”
The Chief Executive arrived at South Harbor’s Pier 15, Port Area in Manila at 12:58 p.m. and was accorded foyer honors by the Russian Navy.
Among the officials who accompanied Duterte on a tour of the ship were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr., Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and CEO Vivencio Dizon, and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.
Duterte first went to the Torpedo Area then proceeded to the bow of the ship. He was shown the ship’s radar, artillery and some guns. He also went to the Ward Room for the signing of the guest book.
At the view deck, Duterte raised his signature clenched fist and shouted, “Mabuhay ang (Long live) Russia!”
Before leaving, the Chief Executive viewed the 1 Ka-27 helicopter located at the ship’s deck.
The 162-meter long large anti-submarine ship, which is under the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy, arrived at the Port of Manila on January 3.
The Palace sees the Russian Navy’s goodwill visit to contribute to the strengthening of friendship with the Philippine Navy.
"It is also an indication that our maritime cooperation can further be enhanced to enable diplomacy and camaraderie," said presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella in a press briefing on Thursday.
Duterte has thrown the future of Philippine-US relations into question with angry outbursts against the United States, a former colonial power, and some scaling back of military ties while taking steps to improve relationships with China and Russia.
He is due to go to Moscow in April. The visit by the Russian warships was the first official navy-to-navy contact between the two countries.
Last month, Duterte sent his foreign and defense ministers to Moscow to discuss arms deals after a US senator said he would block the sale of 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippines due to concern about a rising death toll in a war on drugs launched by Duterte.
Duterte earlier said that he would not allow the stay of foreign military forces in the country, but presidential spokesperson Abella said the government is not closing its doors for joint military exercises between the two countries.
Mikhailov said on Tuesday Russia wanted to hold maritime exercises with the Philippines to help combat terrorism and piracy.
WATCH THE NEWS5 VIDEO REPORT BY MARICEL HALILI BELOW:
[Video report]
http://interaksyon.com/article/135947/watch--duterte-hopes-russia-will-become-philippines-ally-and-protector
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