The Commander of Detachment of the Russian Pacific Fleet, Captain Sergey G. Alantiev, said that, contrary to the belief by some, the Russian Navy maintains good rapport with the United States Navy.
Russian warships Admiral Tributs and Admiral Vinogradov arrived in Pier 15 South harbor in Manila for a 5-day goodwill visit in the country. Live firing, sports events and naval demonstrations activities that will be participated in by their Philippine counterpart. (ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN)
Alantiev made the remark even as he denied speculations that the Russian Navy’s (RN) five-day goodwill visit to the country was connected with the ongoing PH-US Balikatan Exercises from April 1-12, 2019.
He also emphasized that as far as he was concerned, their visit to the country was not in anyway counterproductive.
“Furthermore, I would like to inform you that we have outstanding relations and a good rapport with the US Navy and all efforts aimed at peace and stability in the region be it Russian or American, our efforts in the name of peace and stability serve the same purpose,” Alantiev, who was speaking through an interpreter, said.
He also explained that when they planned the visit to the country with their Filipino counterparts, they did not actually discuss the Balikatan.
“In fact, I only found out it’s going on very recently. And since it doesn’t prevent us from carrying out this visit in any way, it does not create any inconvenience, we decided to carry it out on these dates. That’s all,” Alantiew reiterated.
Alantiew said the main objective of their visit to Manila was to further enhance their naval cooperation with the Philippines and to make a tangible contribution to the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region.
He said that included in the activities with their Filipino counterparts are joint drills on navigation, communication and also special training with the quick response team of the forces of the Philippines.
Three Russian Navy vessels – the large anti-submarine ships Admiral Tributs and Vinogradov, and large sea tanker Irkut – arrived Monday (April 8) at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila, for a five-day goodwill visit to the country.
In a speech he delivered following their arrival, Alantiev said their visit was aimed at further developing the naval cooperation with the Republic of the Philippines. He said the visit will also give them time to replenish supplies and give rest to the crew.
“I am glad to note that for the last years friendly port calls of Russian and Philippine navy vessels have been taking place on a regular basis and by now have become a good tradition,” Alantiev said.
“It is a clear evidence of successful implementation of relevant bilateral agreements at the highest level. Such port calls make a tangible contribution to the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region,” he added.
Captain Alantiev expressed belief that the only way to cope with present-day threats and challenges is through partnership and by combining efforts and resources.
He mentioned international piracy and international terrorist threats as present-day threats and challenges they are facing.
The Russian Navy official said the program of the visit includes numerous important events. These include a wreath laying ceremony at the monument of the Philippine national hero – Jose Rizal and courtesy calls to Vice-Admiral Robert A. Empedrad, Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, as well as the commanding officers of the Philippine Fleet and the Philippine Coast Guard.
He said top officials of the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs as well as the representatives of other governmental and social entities of the Republic of the Philippines, will be on hand for a ship tour.
“We attach a big importance to the strengthening of mutual trust and friendly ties between the servicemen and servicewomen of our two nations. For this reason, tours of our ships will be arranged for officers and cadets of the Philippines Navy and the Coast Guard. Friendly sporting events are also in the pipeline,” Captain Alantiev said.
Captain Alantiev also said that he finds it highly symbolic that the start of their visit occurred on the eve of the Day of Valor in the Philippines.
“We consider ourselves honored to be able to pay our deep respect to the World War II veterans of the Philippines. My country was deeply affected by that War which occupies a special place in our history. The memory of the veterans and the profound respect for their timeless heroic deeds are among the fundamental values that unite the Russian society at all levels,” Captain Alantiev said.
“I strongly believe that we share this approach with the people of the Philippines and through it we shall achieve a new level of mutual understanding and trust. I think this purpose will be best served by holding an Open Door Day on April 9,” he added.
Meanwhile, Philippine Navy’s Staff Officer for Education and Training, Capt. Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr. thanked the officers and men of the Russian Navy for visiting the country once again.
Reyes said the arrival of their Russian Navy counterparts underscores the continuing efforts to further strengthen the relationship between the two governments and navies.
“This (visit) will further enhance and sustain the promotion of peace, stability, and cooperation through naval diplomacy. During the visit, there will be confidence building activities aimed to enhance the camaraderie among our navies. We are looking forward to further strengthening this bilateral relationship to the next level,” Reyes said.
Captain Jonathan V. Zata, the Director of the Naval Public Affairs Office, said large anti-submarine ships Admiral Tributs and Vinogradov, and large sea tanker Irkut, will be at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila up to Saturday, April 13, 2019.
Prior to the Russian ships arrival, Philippine Navy (PN) vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) rendered customary meeting procedure at the vicinity of Corregidor Island and escorted the vessels to their designated berthing area.
PN delegates led by Capt. Reyes then accorded the visiting Russian Navy (RN) a welcome ceremony upon arrival. The activity was followed by a port briefing on security and health aboard one of the Russian ships.
During the press briefing, Capt. Reyes emphasized that the activity is part of the continuing efforts to further strengthen the relationship between the two navies.
On the other hand, Capt. Sergey Alantiev stated that their visit “is a clear evidence of successful implementation of relevant bilateral agreements at the highest level.”
Zata said Capt. Alantiev, along with the commanding officers of the three vessels are scheduled to pay a courtesy call to the Flag Officer in Command, PN, Vice Adm. Robert A. Empedrad at the PN headquarters in Roxas Blvd., Manila.
Also lined up are confidence building activities between the visiting navy and their Filipino counterparts which include shipboard tour, reciprocal receptions, sports events and joint training on live firing demonstration and VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) with Naval Special Operations Group personnel.
Zata said this is the second visit of RN ships in the country this year following their goodwill visit in January. This visit also came shortly after the visit to the country of their commander in chief, Adm. Vladimir Korolyov, last month.
“This reception is another manifestation of the PN’s commitment in promoting naval diplomacy and camaraderie and fostering goodwill with foreign navies,” Zata said.
“The frequent engagements between the Philippine and Russian navies in the recent years have been helpful in the development of diplomatic relations between the two countries,” he added.
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