‘Friends, long live’: Duterte courts Russia as ally and protector as he tours visiting warship

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday that he hoped Moscow, a rival of the Philippine’s traditional ally the United States, would become his country’s ally and protector as he toured one of the two Russian warships on a four-day visit to Manila.

Duterte’s remarks came a day after Russia’s ambassador said his country was ready to supply the Philippines with sophisticated weapons and aims to become its close friend.

“We welcome our Russian friends. Anytime you want to dock here for anything, for play, for replenish supplies or maybe our ally to protect us,” said Duterte.

Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov, deputy commander of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, and Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev escorted Duterte and several cabinet members around the anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs.

Russia is eyeing naval exercises with the Philippines and deployed the Admiral Tributs and sea tanker Boris Butoma on a goodwill visit to Manila.

At one point during the hour-long visit, Duterte looked out from the ship’s deck and pumped his fist in the air. He was also shown equipment and weapons on board the ship and peered from binoculars from a chair. He took a group picture with the Russians also posing in his trademark pose – with arm stretched out at chest-level and fists closed.

After signing a guest book, he said “Friends, long live!” He added: “That’s from the heart; I hope you can come back more often.”