Russian navy warships visit Philippines

The Russian missile cruiser Varyag and large sea-tanker Pechenga arrived here Thursday, starting a four-day goodwill visit to the Philippines.

Captain Lued Lincuna, the director of the Philippine Naval Public Affairs Office, said the two warships are part of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet, and the visit marks the second time that Russian navy warships arrived in the country this year.

During the visit, the Russian navy will engage in a series of activities with their Philippine counterparts. There will be a shipboard tour at the missile cruiser Varyag on Saturday.

Varyag, the flagship of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet, was laid down in 1979 and commissioned in 1989.

The Russian anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs and large sea-tanker Boris Butoma visited Manila in January.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte toured the anti-submarine ship.

Duterte, who assumed office on June 30 last year, is enhancing the Philippine ties with Russia.

According to the local media, Duterte will visit Moscow next month.

During his visit to Russia, government-to-government deals on military cooperation and economic partnership are expected to be signed.