The Philippine government and Russia is expected to enhance security relations as senior officials from both countries meets today in Moscow for bilateral meetings on matters mutually-beneficial to both nations.
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon will meet with Secretary Nikolay Patruchev of the Security Council of the Russian Federations to tackle the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Security Cooperation forged between the two countries two days ago.
An inter-agency delegations composed of officials of the national security sector led by Esperon will hold a two-day bilateral meetings (May 18-19) with their Russian counterparts aims to enhance security relations for both countries.
“The bilateral discussions builds on the successful efforts of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano in solidifying Philippines-Russia diplomatic relations along with President Duterte’s independent foreign policy, when he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the same city on May 15, 2018,” Esperon said in a statement.
“The strengthening of security cooperation between the Philippines and the Russian Federation will be the main objective when an inter-agency delegation holds bilateral meeting with their Russian counterparts,” he added.
Russia has so far donated at least 3,000 assorted assault rifles that were transferred to the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
In May last year, Duterte visited Russia which form part of the strengthening diplomatic relations in the government’s independent foreign policy.
In response, Russian destroyer Admiral Tributs and sea tanker Boris Butomatoila, a flagship of the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy docked at the Manila South Harbor in a four-day goodwill visit.
Duterte boarded the Russian Destroyer Admiral Tributs and was welcomed by Russian navy officials and Ambassador Igor Khovaev.
The Philippine national security sector delegations includes the Department of National Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, AFP and the PNP.
Esperon said Philippine officials its Russian counterparts are expected to explore cooperation mechanisms on information exchange, capacity-building, training, and other matters that are mutually-beneficial to both nations.