07 December 2016 — Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana met with Mr. Alexander Fomin, Director of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) of the Russian Federation in Moscow on December 05.

On the instruction of President Rodrigo Duterte, Secretary Lorenzana visited Moscow to explore prospects for military technical-cooperation between the Philippines and Russia from Decemeber 04 to 05. This is the first ever visit of a Philippine Secretary of National Defense to Russia since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1976.

The Philippines is upgrading its modest defense capability and is keen on engaging Russia in military logistics, including possible procurement of defense equipment, training, and technology transfer.

Director Fomin warmly welcomed Secretary Lorenzana stating that his visit is indeed a good follow-up to the fruitful meeting between President Duterte and President Vladimir Putin in Lima, Peru on November 19, at the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting.

He emphasized that Russia is ready to cooperate and supply the Philippines with whatever it needs. It can offer a wide of range of quality and reasonably priced defense products. Russia’s successful operations in Syria have shown that its military equipment (e.g. attack helicopters and anti-aircraft missile systems) are indeed of high quality. Director Fomin shared that many countries are now lining up to buy Russian defense products. He also noted that Russia is flexible and a responsible arms seller.

The two officials agreed to continue inter-agency discussions to move the cooperation forward.

The FSMTC is the federal executive body that regulates the export of Russian defense equipment and dual-use products. It reports directly to the President but is linked to the Ministry of Defense.

Secretary Lorenzana was in Moscow with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr. who is on official visit from December 04 to 06. END