Duterte allows Russian ships to enter Philippine waters
President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte said that the ships of the Russian Navy are welcome to freely enter the waters controlled by Manila, RIA Novosti reported.
Duterte also announced that Russian ships are allowed to moor off the coast of the Philippines as long as they notify the authorities about their plans in advance. Similar terms now apply to Chinese Navy vessels as well.
In January, Duterte visited the Russian Navy’s large anti-submarine ship, the Admiral Tributs, which was visiting the port of Manila at the time. During an inspection, he expressed the hope that Russia would “become an ally and defender” of his country.
President Duterte gained media notice recently for calling Russian President Vladimir Putin his idol.