06 January 2017•Update: 06 January 2017
By Hader Glang
ZAMBOANGA CITY, the Philippines
President Rodrigo Duterte has said he is keen to see a Russian navy contingent make a quick return to the Philippines, while visiting vessels on an official trip Friday.
“Come back more often,” the Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted Duterte as saying as he visited a large anti-submarine ship and sea tanker docked in Manila Bay.
The two ships arrived in Manila last Tuesday for a four-day goodwill visit aimed at forging closer ties between Moscow and Manila with relations with the United States -- the Philippines' traditional ally -- continuing to waver.
On Friday, Duterte extended words of friendship to a delegation led by the ambassador to the Philippines and the warship’s commander .
"Long Live! It's from the heart. I hope you can come back more often," the Philippine leader said after he signed the ship's guestbook.
The visit comes amid a weakening of ties between Manila and Washington, which has seen Duterte frequently lash out at the U.S for criticism of his war on drugs.
In December, Duterte sent his defense and foreign ministers to Russia to discuss arms deals after a U.S. senator said he would block the sale of 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippines due to concern about the rising death.
On Thursday, the presidential palace said Duterte has said he is open to joint military exercises with Russia, stressing that the goodwill visit by the navy will contribute to the strengthening of friendships.
"It also is an indication that our maritime cooperation can further be enhanced to enable diplomacy and camaraderie,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella told reporters in Manila.
“The president has expressed his desire to forge stronger ties with Russia, and... the visit by the Russian Navy will help boost the friendship between the two countries," he said.
