Duterte hopes Russia will become an ally of the Philippines
Russian ships can be moored in the ports of the Philippines at any time, as stated by the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, during his visit to Russia’s Admiral Tributs’ ship and the Boris Butoma tanker in the port of Manila, according to Reuters.
"We welcome our Russian friends. You can moor here at any time and for any purpose, to resupply or to protect us as our ally," Duterte said.
It was reported that Duterte made this statement after Russian Ambassador, Igor Khovaev’s, statement indicating Russia's readiness to supply weapons to the Philippines. The Philippine’s leader is also considering holding joint military-naval exercises between Russia and the Philippines.
Earlier, Duterte decided to limit military cooperation with the United States. He threatened to terminate a military cooperation agreement from 1998, under which U.S. troops may stay in the Philippines to conduct joint exercises.