January 07, 2017 | 21:40 (GMT+7)
Philippine President visits Russian warship
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Janaury 6 visited anti-submarine destroyer Admiral Tributs - one of two Russian warships docked in Manila.
Rear Adm. Eduard Mikhailov, Deputy Commander of Russia's Pacific Fleet, and Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev escorted Duterte and several of cabinet members around ship Admiral Tributs.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (4th from left) shaking hands with Russia's Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov on board anti-submarine navy ship Admiral Tributs at the south pier in Metro Manila, Philippines January 6, 2017. (Photo: Reuters)
Earlier during a meeting with Russian naval officers on January 5, Philippine Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana expressed his optimism about the start of a partnership between the two countries' defense establishments.
He said that during his Russia visit in early December, 2016, he and Russian defense officials agreed to complete a memorandum of understanding which will be the basis for future military cooperation, so it can be signed during a Russia visit by President Duterte scheduled for April.
Source: VNA