PH Joins Moscow Security Meet, Engages with Bilateral Partners
Undersecretary for National Defense Cardozo Luna met with Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin to discuss on ways to further bolster defense and military - technical cooperation between the Philippines and Russia. (Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation photo)
MOSCOW 02 May 2019 — The Philippines participated in the eighth Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS) held on 23-25 April 2019 at the Radisson Congress Park.
Undersecretary for National Defense Cardozo M. Luna headed the delegation and was joined by Philippine Embassy in Moscow’ Defense Attaché Colonel Dennis Francis V. Pastor, Third Secretary and Vice Consul and Political Section head Anna Marie Mae R. Guerra, and Military Assistant from the Department of National Defense Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Chan. The Philippines has been participating in MCIS since 2015.
Among the topics discussed were modern military challenges and threats, countering terrorist threats; peacekeeping, military-to-military engagements, regional security in Asia, Africa, and Latin America; and the situation in the Middle East – specifically the implications of defeating the ISIS as well as efforts in stabilizing the region.
The Philippine delegation also participated in the familiarization visit to the Military-Patriotic Recreation Park of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or “Patriot Park” in Kubinka, Moscow Region on 23 April 2019, where they were shown various Russian military equipment.
At the sidelines of the event, Undersecretary Luna conducted bilateral meetings with Russian Deputy Defense Minister Colonel General Alexander Fomin, Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Ahadi, and Vietnamese Defense Minister Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang. The discussions centered on initiatives that are aimed at promoting trust and confidence between the Philippines and the said countries, as well as agreements and activities that are aimed at bolstering cooperation in the defense and security sphere.
Undersecretary Luna also granted an interview with Russian news entity Sputnik, where he shared that “the Philippines is committed to strengthen ties with non-traditional security partners like Russia.”
Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta hosted a working dinner for the delegation. Discussions focused on ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand Philippines-Russia defense and military-technical cooperation.
The MCIS is Russia’s leading platform for high-level security dialogues. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, more than 1,000 defense officials and security experts from 111 countries and six international organizations attended the three-day event. END
Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation Carlos D. Sorreta and Undersecretary for National Defense Cardozo M. Luna discuss developments in Philippines-Russia defense cooperation at the Philippine Embassy. (V. Cara photo)
For more information, visit www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia/ or https://twitter.com/phlinrussia